Coffee Shops, Curiosity, and the Real Source of Innovation

Why the best startup ideas are found outside the boardroom—and how you can train your curiosity to spot them.

There’s a myth that innovation is born in sleek boardrooms and high-tech labs. In reality, many of the world’s most transformative ideas begin in far humbler places: the corner coffee shop, the crowded networking event, the late-night pizza run with friends. The secret ingredient? Curiosity.



Top VCs and founders know that the best ideas are rarely found within the four walls of their own companies. Instead, they emerge from the cross-pollination of industries, cultures, and chance encounters. Some of the most successful investments in history started with a casual conversation in a café or an unexpected introduction at a meetup. In these informal settings, people are more open, creative, and willing to take risks.

But there’s a danger lurking in many organizations: the Not Invented Here syndrome. This bias leads teams to dismiss ideas simply because they come from outside. The result? Missed opportunities and stagnant thinking. To break free, leaders must actively seek out diverse perspectives and create environments where curiosity is rewarded.

So how can you cultivate this mindset? Start by saying yes to new experiences. Attend events outside your industry. Ask questions, even when you think you know the answer. Build a network that spans different backgrounds and expertise. And most importantly, make space for serendipity—those magical moments when a stray conversation sparks a world-changing idea.

In the end, innovation is a team sport, and the best teams are those that are always learning, always exploring, and never afraid to venture beyond the familiar.



Sources: The Venture Mindset, GoingVC resources, JoinLeland library