Ben M Greene

Why I’d Choose @StarStreet In My Startup Bracket

With today’s TechCrunch coverage of StarStreet, I wanted to add my own two cents as to why I think @StarStreet is a company worth watching closely. In the spirit of sports in general and March Madness in specific, I will of course use an over-abundance of sports analogies!

Disclaimer: I’ve had the privilege to know and learn alongside Jeremy and Nicolo since their JuCo days in the TechStars Boston class of ‘10, so I’m speaking from a perspective of friendly bias. I am not, however, invested in StarStreet, nor have I ever worked with them, nor will I get any special treatment from the StarStreet selection committee for complimenting them. Best I might get is a beer (but I’d take it!).

My Take: StarStreet’s Strategy to Building a Powerhouse

Jeremy and Nicolo have been executing on StarStreet for over a year now, and they are doing *a lot* of things right. Here are just a few I’ve noticed:

1. Watch Lots of Tape - I’ve still not met an entrepreneur who has mastered the history, successes and failures of the prior companies in his target market. Jeremy has researched and analyzed those who have come before him, follows others in his market religiously, and perhaps most importantly, seems able to avoid a self-preferential bias.
   
   
2. Play to Win - StarStreet’s unwavering commitment to success comes from a relentlessly positive attitude and fearlessness in the face of adversity. When Brad Feld exclaims that the startup you’ve dreamed of building for years is “ILLEGAL!” on day one of TechStars, most entrepreneurs would melt into a puddle. Not Jeremy - his response was to blurt back with equal confidence and a wide smile, “You’re wrong!” Brad quickly apologized for his hasty reaction, and Jeremy explained that it was far from the first or last time he would hear, or answer, this concern.
   
   
3. Be Coachable - It’s important for all players of the game - especially rookies - to be capable of learning from the experience and perspective of others. By focusing on team glory instead of individual accolades, Jeremy and Nicolo have created a team identity and attitude that will serve them well as they grow.
   
   
4. Keep Your Eye on the Prize - StarStreet’s greatest focus, since the early alpha versions in the retired penthouse of Central Square, has always been the quality of the experience for their users. This complete commitment to user engagement and enjoyment has resulted in continually-increasing momentum towards building a world-class product for sports fans.
   
   

StarStreet continues to get better every day, and that’s why I think their patience and commitment to excellence will pay off in a trophy. I’d write more, but I need to rush over to www.StarStreet.com to place bids for the latest IPOs in the March Madness market.