Charlie Lass discusses how to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem by using a framework from MIT.

According to career entrepreneur and startup mentor Charlie Lass, Dallas Incorporated is part of “an incredible emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Currently based in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, Dallas Inc. equips businesses with tools to achieve accelerated success. By the end of 2023, it plans to launch operations in Austin and Houston. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Dallas Inc. has helped 32 companies go to market.

As a consultancy firm and private investment fund, Dallas Inc. provides expert services in multiple areas. Clients can access hands-on assistance with branding, social traction and advertising, web development, SEO, strategy, fundraising, rebuilding executive boards, and more.

While anticipating challenges and cultivating a successful local entrepreneurial ecosystem, Dallas Inc. encourages clients to go beyond small-scope thinking. With the firm’s support, businesses can conceptualize strategic goals for scaling ideas toward global reach. It also serves as a connector between prospective investors and its startup clients.

Supported by a small team of experienced entrepreneurs, Lass launched Dallas Inc. in 2021 during a local event attended by Dallas city mayor, Eric Johnson. Also an MIT alum and Sloan lecturer, Lass is passionate about mentoring.

“I mentor ambitious entrepreneurs and am an extreme advocate for mental health within the entrepreneurial community,” said Lass. “My entire career so far has been launching new ventures. I’ve never had a ‘real job’, always looking to improve on an existing process or product or launch something completely new. I’ve been involved in developing the strategy and tactics of more than 400 startups and been through the startup-exit journey multiple times in the UK and US.”

Dallas Inc.’s 30-day model is designed to be automated, multifaceted, and short-term. Its approach counters traditional timelines for business and product development, which can take months or years to launch.

“We can take any idea to market in 30 days,” Lass says. “We offer the process to ambitious individuals who may not have the time to validate their idea, or lack the in-depth knowledge that launching a successful startup requires.”

He notes that while financial instability, unprecedented current events, and other obstacles pose risks Dallas Inc. can’t eliminate or fully guard against, the goal is to help business founders set focused priorities, solidify market buy-in, and persevere through the process.

“Our process is proven. It works,” he says.

Charlie Lass interviews Jessica Vittorio, Startup Attorney, during Dallas Startup Week 2021.

Before getting to market, the firm ensures that company ideas align with consumer needs and wants. This approach promotes success for businesses and their investors.

“Market validation is the most important thing for a new concept, and almost everyone fails to do it,” Lass notes.

Businesses working with Dallas Inc. are required to make a financial investment to begin their 30-day idea launch. Lass says he’s committed to keeping the starting expense low relative to the cost of a failed effort.

“We want people to feel reassured that a concept can be launched with minimal risk,” he says. “Yes it costs $50k, but at the end of it, you have a validated idea and a value creating asset. No debt, no depreciation. Only growth.”

Each of Dallas Inc.’s clients receives personalized, dedicated attention since the firm only works with one founder at a time. The client selection process is selective, too, to optimize the 30-day strategy.

“We want to create a brand that exudes confidence and experience,” Lass says. “One that tells people that it doesn’t require $250k and 12 months to launch.”

New Horizons

In 2023, Dallas, Inc will expand operations to entrepreneurs in Austin and Houston.

“We’ve spent 20 years making mistakes so others don’t have to,” says Lass.

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