Angus Davis

 / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO
/ PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

What are the biggest hurdles to starting a business in Rhode Island?

The lack of a strong technology-business ecosystem. In other parts of the U.S. there is a strong ecosystem of high-growth technology businesses and employees. You can’t find the more experienced, senior talent [here], you have to import it. It’s part of the reason why we have an office in San Francisco. It allows us to access that talent pool.

Does Rhode Island have the resources to help companies develop innovative products and services?

I don’t really think Rhode Island as a government or public sector can do anything. It’s up to the entrepreneurs to take the vision to reality. … There are entrepreneurs who have ideas for products and services, but when you want to take your vision and turn it into reality, it takes people. Are there software engineers, designers? There are some of those people in Rhode Island, but if there were more it would be easier. And if you consider Rhode Island and Boston as one market, the answers become easier.

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What industry offers the greatest potential for growth through innovation in R.I. and why?

I don’t think there is a single industry and I think it’s one of the challenges that has faced people interested in economic development in the past – trying to pick a winner and loser. I would be looking at ways to more closely link up what’s working in Boston and extending it here.

What advice would you give to other would-be entrepreneurs?

Oftentimes, your first idea isn’t actually as great as you thought it was. You need to be both bold enough to think you can change the world, but be humble enough to admit when something isn’t working and adapt.

If the first approach doesn’t work, try a second, and a third. Great entrepreneurs … hone in on what product is going to meet the market demand.

Why did you decide to start your business in Rhode Island?

I began my career working out in northern California at Netscape, one of the early pioneers of the web. I was out there for about 10-plus years. I went there for a summer job, and never began college. My heart and family were always in Rhode Island.

In 2009, I decided to start my next business here. … The advantage I had in starting a tech business in Rhode Island was that I started my career and built relationships with people in northern California. •

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