Why Startup Reporting Matters
Putting Us On The Map: Why Reporting Matters for New Orleans Startups
During the month of October, The Idea Village, alongside Startup NOLA, hosted an event emphasizing how “reporting = progress”. This conversation was centered on one powerful idea: when New Orleans founders share their company data, the entire ecosystem benefits. The event explored how reporting milestones like funding rounds, team growth, and investor relationships on platforms such as Pitchbook and Crunchbase can increase visibility for local startups and elevate New Orleans’ position as a competitive hub for innovation.
The panel made one thing clear: our startup ecosystem is only as strong as the data that tells its story. Every founder, accelerator, and investor plays a role in shaping how the world perceives New Orleans’ entrepreneurial strength. By making sure those stories are reflected accurately in the databases that drive national rankings and investment decisions, we can ensure that New Orleans startups don’t just grow – they get counted.
Why Reporting Matters
Every funding round, team expansion, or acquisition represents progress. When founders, accelerators, and investors report these milestones, they are doing far more than just updating a spreadsheet. This vital information contributes to the region’s visibility in global databases providing real-time accuracy. Having this type of recognition boosts investments to the city as well as improves the reputation of the New Orleans startup scene.
Platforms like PitchBook and Crunchbase are used by venture capital firms, corporate investors, and economic development organizations to identify promising markets and high-growth startups. If New Orleans companies aren’t accurately represented, the city risks being overlooked in national rankings, reports, and deal flows that influence where capital flows next.
For founders, visibility creates opportunity. A complete and accurate profile helps discover a company based on sector, location, or investment stage. It also improves SEO, strengthens credibility with partners, and displays growth against peers. When a company’s data is updated, it increases the chances of being featured in reports like StartupBlink’s Global Startup Ecosystem Index. This type of report is frequently monitored by investors who are looking for capital-ready companies.
Up to four companies will be selected to participate in The Idea Village’s accelerator and will receive hands-on business development support, expert feedback from Shell mentors, along with the chance to compete for the $150,000 Shell GameChanger Award. The program is open to early-stage startups with validated concepts that are developing technologies in coastal restoration, sustainable construction, biodiversity monitoring, nature-based materials, climate risk mitigation, remote sensing, underwater vehicles, or other relevant innovations (see a full list of target focus areas on the webpage linked below). Applicants will be evaluated on novelty, impact potential, alignment with Shell’s focus areas, and feasibility of execution.
Shell GameChanger has supported more than 150 breakthrough ideas globally, transforming unproven concepts into scalable technologies across energy, sustainability, and digital transformation. This collaboration with The Idea Village brings the program’s global vision to the Gulf South’s most pressing environmental frontlines.
For more information or to apply, visit https://www.ideavillage.org/coastal-innovation-challenge.
About The Idea Village
The Idea Village champions innovation and entrepreneurship in New Orleans and throughout the Gulf South. Since its founding in 2000, The Idea Village has supported over 20,100+ entrepreneurs with mentorship, coaching, and access to capital. Alumni companies have generated more than $2 billion in regional economic impact. A 501c3 non-profit, The Idea Village provides business accelerator programs that guide startups from the idea stage through venture capital rounds. The Idea Village works every day to cultivate a robust startup community and create an inclusive, vibrant, and future-driven economy.
About Shell & Shell GameChanger
Shell's purpose is to power progress together with more and cleaner energy solutions. We believe that rising standards of living for a growing global population are likely to continue to drive demand for energy for years to come. Shell’s technological capacity, customer mindset, operational experience, and market knowledge mean we are at the forefront of innovative and collaborative approaches to help build a sustainable energy future.
Shell GameChanger works with startups and businesses on unproven early-stage ideas that have the potential to impact the future of energy. The program’s team provides support, expertise, and seed funding, while the startups keep the independence to make their own decisions. Founded in 1996, Shell GameChanger has worked with more than 5,000 innovators from around the world and turned more than 150 ideas related to advanced energy, digital transformation, and a broad spectrum of energy technologies into productive reality.
Media Contact
Sydney Scott, Marketing Manager, The Idea Village
sydney@ideavillage.org | (225) 235-6324