Going Against the Flow: David Cohen, Co-Founder of Techstars

David Cohen is a co-founder and Managing Partner at Techstars.

Previously, David was a founder of several software and web technology companies including Pinpoint Technologies(acquired by ZOLL Medical Corporation), earFeeder.com (sold to SonicSwap.com). David serves on the Board of Advisors at University of Colorado's Computer Science Department and Silicon Flatirons, and runs the Colorado chapter of the Open Angel Forum.

David Cohen

Q: What does entrepreneurship mean to you, and what underlying characteristics make an entrepreneur successful?

David: It's about changing the world for the better. Innovating, and improving the human condition. I think motivation and drive, coupled with raw talent, help make founders successful. It's not that simple, but that's a great start.

Q: What are you most proud of in your professional career? If you could do something over in your life, what would it be?

David: I'm most proud of helping so many others achieve their dreams as founders. If I had a do over, I'd indubitably start investing in startups earlier in life!

Q: Tell us about an instance where you had to go against the flow to realize your goal.

David: I had to quit a "real job" to start my first company. It was unclear if it would be successful (definition of a startup) and I bet my career on this pretty early.

Q: What advice would you give to your 22 year old self?

David: Quit your job.

Follow David Cohen at @davidcohen, and check out the other interviews in Going Against the Flow series at http://ift.tt/1qojWHx or goagainsttheflow.com.