[author: Jared Brenner]
Some interesting links we found across the web this week:
FAA's new drone laws go into effect Monday, allowing US companies to innovate
The regulatory scheme around civilian drones is still taking shape, but the Federal Aviation Administration takes a major step forward next week with the effectiveness of initial standards for commercial drone usage. We’re pretty excited to hear about pizza-by-drone startups, but the tech is even more valuable in construction, emergency response and many other sectors. Watch this space! (Bonus links: more coverage for Wall Street Journal subscribers, and a handy guide for those seeking a drone license.)
The White House is planning to let more foreign entrepreneurs work in the US
Immigration is a hot-button issue for other reasons, but don’t lose sight of the “startup visa” that may be part of an eventual reform bill. For now, the Department of Homeland Security is using its regulatory power to help foreign founders stay here for up to five years of active involvement in a startup, today proposing a new federal rule to that effect that does not require Congressional approval. Recode has a quick summary, but see here and here for more.
Warned of a Crash, Startups in Silicon Valley Narrow Their Focus
We’ve frequently mentioned the notion of a new tech bubble this year, but in lieu of a burst it seems startups are simply getting leaner. The New York Times has the latest impression of market conditions as Q4 approaches.
In 5 years, the Midwest will have more startups than Silicon Valley
Our smaller-market story of the week comes from Columbus, Ohio and Ann Arbor, Michigan, where strong ecosystems have impressed even seasoned VCs from Silicon Valley.
How the startup economy is replacing the traditional resume
Finally this week, an interesting piece from TechCrunch on the value of being a founder in this still-emerging tech economy. Unicorns may dominate the headlines, but smaller founders who successfully exit are collectively having just as great an impact, as their exits signal leadership potential in jobs and ventures afterward.
