HBR – Mid-size startups, termed the “mighty middle,” offer significant growth opportunities by targeting midsize niches and employing unique strategies for funding, hiring, and competing. These businesses, unlike venture-scale startups, often require bootstrapping and DIY approaches. Successful examples like Supply and Nguyen Coffee Supply demonstrate how leveraging community-building, social media, and online courses can lead to substantial growth. Recognizing the distinctiveness of mighty-middle startups is crucial for entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to foster a more inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem.
By Benjamin Hallen and Ed Hallen
