What can corporate monoliths learn from audacious tech startups?

Fast and nimble startups continue to disrupt and innovate corporate monoliths at break-neck speed. It feels like someone’s always thinking:

“If I could redesign [insert any industry] — what would that look like?”

So how does one keep up with the new-kids-on-the-block?

Does your company have an in-house accelerator or fund an incubator? Perhaps, you have your very own venture fund? Or, if you’re like Google — a secret innovation department — Google X.

Are your employees allowed to create, push the boundaries, innovate, and fail? Yes, that’s right — fail. All good scientists and innovators need to fail (and fail often) in order to find the path to success. If you don’t believe us — listen to this NPR Ted Radio Hour podcast Failure is An Option featuring Astro Teller, the CEO of Google X.

Because, we all know it’s important to maintain a growth-mindset — especially if its feels like you’ve already made it to the top — as there’s always a competitor waiting to beat you down.

But, some companies simply don’t have the resource, or luxury of time, to create out-of-the-box-thinking-labs.

At Hub71, we’re collaborating with corporate companies that are ready to embark on their digital journey. We connect them to ambitious, innovative and creative startups, who have ready-to-market, scale-able solutions.

In Abu Dhabi — a digital revolution is happening. We’re relatively early-on in our digital journey; but what is clear — is the momentum and appetite of all parties, government, state-owned entities, privately-owned companies, to get on board (as seen in the recent co-investment from the $145m Ghadan Ventures Fund in several tech startups and VCs).

Abu Dhabi is seeing a rise in startups venturing in from all around the world. Startups that are looking to capitalize from the growth potential in the MENA region, (where deals grew 28% year-on-year and investments in start-ups surged 66% ) using Hub71 as their launchpad for growth.

Abu Dhabi, is now exploring something much more alluring — globally enduring tech companies.

So; what can corporate monoliths learn from audacious tech startups (who aren’t stuck in corporate meetings and email chains)?

If nothing at all — the ability to think-up unthinkable questions like: