Review: ‘Generation Startup’ doc checks in on young entrepreneurs

Directed by Cynthia Wade and Cheryl Miller Houser, the documentary “Generation Startup” puts a human face on millennial startup culture. The film depicts the program Venture for America, which supports entrepreneurship in recent college graduates in cities around the United States by placing fellows in startup companies.

“Generation Startup” focuses on a diverse group of fellows in Detroit, a city that is a symbol of both America’s past, and its potential for growth and revitalization. Dextina is a black, female MIT grad in a predominantly white male industry; Labib, the son of Bangladeshi immigrants, struggles with his parents’ lack of support; Kate searches for female mentors in the tech sector. Brian and Avery of Banza, a chickpea pasta company, strive to make their product the best it can be; while the team behind Castle attempts to disrupt the real estate management business with their software tools.

In many ways, “Generation Startup” is both too narrow and too broad to truly capture the notion of the “startup” in the zeitgeist. It’s a warm, uplifting portrait of the potentials to be found in startup culture, but feels blinkered by its specific focus.

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‘Generation Startup’

Not rated

Running time: 1 hour, 33 minutes

Playing: Laemmle Monica Film Center, Santa Monica

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