The top trends Denver VCs are watching for 2021

Despite a year of twists and turns, optimism reigns throughout Colorado’s venture capital industry, with local investors eager to capitalize on new opportunities accelerated by the pandemic.

We asked two local VCs to share what trends they’re watching closely this year and beyond. Here’s the actionable intelligence they shared:

Seth Levine, managing director at Boulder-based Foundry Group:

• A sharp shift in consumer behavior to online shopping.
• The rapid adoption of new technologies by traditional businesses (for example, restaurants that quickly adopted online ordering platforms).
• Greater mobility of businesses, which could lead more companies and employees to choose Colorado as home base, "including not just the Front Range, but cities and towns across the state."

Rich Maloy, partner at Denver-based SpringTime Ventures:

• A focus on supporting founders from diverse backgrounds and ensuring "all people everywhere" have equitable access to start and grow companies.
• Greater awareness of mental health and the importance of prioritizing a sound body and mind.
• Disruptions to the logistics industry, which have helped technology companies see how to improve supply chain efficiency.

This story first appeared in the Axios Denver newsletter, designed to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news unfolding in their own backyard.

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