In a volatile economy, launching a startup might seem risky — but for Paul Krutko, CEO of Ann Arbor Spark, it’s exactly the moment to act. In this energising episode of Visionary, recorded at Here East and hosted by Georgina Godwin, Krutko shares practical advice for founders looking to secure early-stage investment and turn bright ideas into lasting impact.

With decades of experience and a hand in over 450 early-stage deals, Paul offers a clear-eyed look at what investors are really looking for: long-term vision, cross-sector collaboration, and a strong sense of place. His approach? “Gardening” — backing a wide portfolio of promising ventures, not just chasing the next unicorn.

For founders, policymakers, and anyone serious about startup growth, this is a blueprint worth hearing. As Paul puts it: “Real innovation doesn’t start with a building — it starts with a plan.”

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