Indianapolis-based Powderkeg Ventures LLC, which helps connect promising tech ventures with growth resources, on Tuesday announced it would start surveying companies statewide about their workplace culture.
Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, which is headed up by former America Online CEO and chairman Steve Case, is partnering with Powderkeg on the workplace culture project in Indiana.
The project, 2019 Tech Census: Tech Cultures Edition, will start in Indiana.
A variety of Indiana companies are eligible to participate in the 2019 study, including tech software, tech hardware, tech powered and tech services firms. Powderkeg plans to launch similar studies later this year in Tennessee, Ohio, North Carolina, Colorado and Missouri.
“There’s an enormous shift happening in the tech industry for both employers and professionals,” Powderkeg CEO Matt Hunckler said in written comments “We’re on a mission to empower people to pursue meaningful careers in tech and connect with their calling at these businesses that are literally changing the world. By studying the high-performing tech companies and talent in Indiana, we can help everyone reach their full potential, no matter where they live.”
Powderkeg also is working on the survey with local organizations including the Indianapolis Airport Authority, Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and Elevate Ventures, as well as regional organizations including the Indy Chamber, Greater Lafayette Commerce, and Elevate Southwest Indiana.
Indianapolis, Southwest Indiana, and Indiana’s Technology Corridor will each be featured regions in the report.
The state will be able to use data from the report to support initiatives, including its effort to increase direct flights from Indianapolis. The Kelley School of Business will be using the information to help place students in top tech companies throughout the state.
Powderkeg, founded in 2017, had a big year in 2018. The company expanded publication of Tech Census Reports—which survey tech workers about local tech industry trends—to Cincinnati; to Denver and Boulder, Colorado; and to Chattanooga, Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville, Tennessee; in addition to Indianapolis.
And Powderkeg plans more growth for 2019, Hunckler said. The firm already has plans to publish Tech Census Reports for Kansas City and Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina.
In late February, Powderkeg announced it raised $900,000 in venture funding. The capital will be used to offer more services to its more than 10,000 members, Hunckler said. The company focuses on serving clients throughout the United States who aren't located on either coast.
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