Built for the
ecosystem builders
About Us
The Entrepreneur-Led Entrepreneurship Development Association is a new kind of professional association.
Built for the people connecting entrepreneurs to capital and programs, at the moment
when AI is changing what that work looks like.
Research and writing
CARICOM State of AI Report
This report examines how AI is adopted across industries and how CARICOM countries can leverage it for economic development.
Published in partnership Suriname-based Bit Dynamics.
Accelerating Deep Tech in Latin America Report
ELEDA supported interviews, partnerships, and ecosystem engagement across AI, biotech, and other Deep Tech fields in this collaboration with the Latin American Dynamism Project, an organization funded by Dr. Eric Schmidt (former CEO and Chairman of Google).
The Western’s Guide to Chinese Entrepreneurship (Publishing 2027)
The project features on-the-ground reporting from Shenzhen and interviews with founders building inside one of the world’s most dynamic startup ecosystems.
Team
Cam Houser
Cam develops entrepreneurship and innovation programs in 24 countries, mostly through Actionworks, ELEDA’s sister organization.
He teaches AI and entrepreneurship at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas.
Coco Liu
Coco is a writer an economic development practitioner based in Shenzhen.
Her work spans research and design at Google to developing Africa’s first Special Economic Zone for tech in Nigeria.
Where our founders have worked
FAQs
Who is ELEDA for?
ELEDA is for professionals who work in entrepreneurship support organizations (ESOs) and economic development organizations (EDOs). Accelerator managers, EDO staff, grant-funded program leads, and others whose work involves growing ecosystems and connecting entrepreneurs to capital and programs
What do members get?
Members get access to a curated funding directory, a library of proposals, a job board, registrations to our annual conference. We also offer fellowship and publication opportunities for members who want to contribute to the field. A professional credential is in development.
How is ELEDA different from IEDC or INBIA?
IEDC and INBIA serve the broader economic development and incubator communities. ELEDA is focused specifically on the AI transition —
the tools, frameworks, and practices that ESO and EDO professionals need to stay current and competitive. We’re building a credential
and resource library around that specific gap.
When can I join?
We’re launching January 2027. Sign up below to be notified when membership opens.
How much does membership cost?
Annual dues will be in the neighborhood of $500 and designed to be employer-expensable for salaried professionals.
Founding partners
Join
ELEDA is in its founding phase. We’re building behind the scenes, developing our research, defining our credential, and assembling a founding member cohort before we open the doors. If you’re reading this, you’re early.
Full membership launches January 2027. Between now and then, we’re heads-down: producing work, cultivating relationships, and making sure the product is worth paying for before we ask anyone to pay for it.
If that sounds like your kind of organization, sign up below. We’ll be in touch.
Mailing list
Follow along the journey, get access to our research, find job opportunities, and more