On Corporate-Startup Collaboration: Abby Cohen of Sparo Labs
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Itβs no secret that St. Louisβ size allows for unique collaborations.
Startups are able to gain access to corporate leadership and big businesses can feed off of the growing energy in the innovation space.
We asked leaders in the startup space, corporate space and community to speak on what each sector can learn from one another and about whatβs happening right now in our region.
Abby CohenΒ is co-founderΒ of Sparo Labs.
What are some things that startups need support on that larger enterprises can provide? What are challenges that larger enterprises have that startups can help solve?
Larger enterprises to startups: Be the first customer to startups, helping to lend credibility. Startups to larger enterprises: Help think about solving problems more creatively and in a leaner way.
What are three ways corporate-startup collaborations benefit the region?
Encouraging a shared talent pool; economic developmentβSTL companies working with STL companies employing people in STL; talent retentionβkeep people here because they have diverse pathways.
How has your organization or company created or facilitated corporate-startup partnerships?
We have worked with Express Scripts to better understand trends in the industry, get feedback on our approach, and spread awareness about St. Louisβs entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Whatβs one challenge in creating these partnerships?
Difference in speedβstartups are used to moving a lot quicker than larger companies.
In the future, what are some levels of engagement youβd like to see happen at your organization, in terms of startup-corporate relationships?
More fluidity between our talent pools; more financial investment in local startups through strategic investment; becoming a customer.