After 25 years of selecting startups for IMD’s MBA and EMBA participants, Jim Pulcrano has identified key factors that may help identify promising young ventures with the potential to prosper. In this article he is not focussing on the features of promising startups like a good team etc. but on the prerequisites, methods and approaches that decision-makers need in order to select good companies. For him, these include a diverse team and large network, experience, knowledge of product and financial markets or the ability to read between the lines. In his text, he also provides tangible tips on how to ask the right questions and how to become aware of your own bias. Jim Pulcrano is an Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship and Management at IMD Business School and founder of the IMD Startup Competition. He is an investor, jury member and advisory board member in several early-stage companies. He also serves on various committees.
