Do We Want A Start Up Culture Or Not?

Over on Facebook, I saw my friend Jon Pasky's post about Uber. Whether you like Uber or not, this concerns every start up, every financier, or anyone interested in seeing a start up ecosystem thrive in Chicago.

There are proposed regulations that would regulate Uber out of business when it comes to black cars.

"Collectively, these provisions are designed to prevent Uber’s technology from being used in Chicago limos. Their adoption would end Uber’s ability to offer the streamlined arrangement of limo transportation and ease of payment that you’ve come to expect and love. Consumer choice and accountability would be reduced and the incomes of the more than 1,000 Chicago drivers that depend on Uber would be significantly and negatively impacted.

Take Action Now!

It’s up to all of us to let city officials know the impact of these changes that would become final in a matter of days. We believe Chicago’s city officials will be receptive and responsive to our cause. Here’s what you can do:

1. Email BACP, telling them to “Remove the No Measured Rates Provision (PPV Sec. 1.10)”:

The comment period on these proposed regulations ends November 9th, after which BACP will release final regulations. This is our chance to impact these rules. Click this link to email now!

2. Contact city officials, telling them to “Remove the No Measured Rates Provision (PPV Sec. 1.10)”:

Rosemary Krimbel, BACP Commissioner
Email Commissioner Krimbel
The Mayor’s Office, Write on The Mayor Office’s Wall

With #UberCHILove,

More importantly, when it comes to start ups we need to embrace creative destruction. Certain start up businesses are going to put other businesses under. Competitive capitalism is like that. However, a thriving ecosystem will create more opportunity in the long run-providing a healthier business climate with more jobs.

Chicago regulates the heck out of businesses. It's really rough to start a mom and pop business. Mayor Emanuel has talked about getting a start up ecosystem going here. Here is his chance to stop some silly regulations from putting one out of business.

Myself, and many others have put a lot of our own money, blood, sweat and tears behind the dream of having a uniquely Chicago/midwestern entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are on the way to achieving that goal.

1871, The Coop, Catapult, angel groups, VCs, seed funds have all been participating and taking notice of what is going on here. It's one of the few positive economic developments in the entire state that suffers from over 10% unemployment, passed a 67% tax increase and has billions in unfunded pension liabilities. The only way out of this mess is to grow our way out.

Government can derail any previous efforts anyone made with stupid regulations, or worse yet-targeted regulations designed to protect existing businesses at the expense of innovative ones.

I urge you to email the powers that be and let Uber be free to operate with no restrictions in Chicago. Write on their Facebook walls, and tweet at them.

Sometimes when you build things, you have to take a stand. This is one of those times.

Uber's Response to Lawsuit Filed by Chicago Taxi Companies (uber.com)
Under new rules, Uber faces Chicago closure (venturebeat.com)
Airbnb, Coursera, and Uber: The Rise of the Disruption Economy - Businessweek (mediafuturist.com)

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