Startups emerge to help firms craft engaging content
Several local startups have popped up to capitalize on the growing interest in content marketing, defined in part by enterprise-generated blog posts, infographics, how-to videos and more.
Entrepreneurship
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Television executive joins marketing firm to accelerate growth of new technology
It took former WISH-TV Channel 8 General Manager Jeff White only one trip to VisionThree’s studio to convince him to take an ownership stake in the company and spearhead sales and product development for the firm full time.
Not everyone in tech wants venture cash
It’s immensely difficult for tech firms to quickly build and sell technology software or hardware without a sizable venture war chest. Nevertheless, at least a few central Indiana firms have managed to grow at a healthy pace without trading equity stakes for cash.
Resurgence of vinyl gives record stores new life
A number of local music stores are reporting dramatic sales growth in vinyl records, in both 7- and 12-inch format. For you old-timers, that’s 45s and 33s. A few 78s also are for sale.
Artisan distilleries are on the rise since 2013 law change
The state has approved permits to let 13 distilleries sell vodka, bourbon, whiskey and other spirits directly to the public. More permits are under consideration.
Attorney Millard remembered as entrepreneurial champion
David B. Millard, a longtime attorney known for his passionate support of entrepreneurs, died Dec. 3. Millard, 60, led the corporate law division at Barnes & Thornburg LLP—the city’s largest law practice—before retiring last year.
Conference frustration leads to business that helps companies pick best events
In January, Kristin Eilenberg launched Lodestone Insights and has built up a team of 15 people feeding a searchable, sortable database of more than 4,100 conferences around the world.
Salvage shop rescues industrial, medical antiques
Society of Salvage, a 2-year-old shop on downtown’s east side owned by Sandra Jarvis, has carved out an unusual niche in the salvage industry by unearthing industrial equipment and medical oddities from old buildings and factories.
From humble start, developer expands to 30 hotels
Since arriving in Indianapolis in 1989—to buy a Days Inn on the city’s south side—Bharat Patel has grown his portfolio to nearly 30 properties stretching from California to New Jersey.
‘Collaborative economy’ startup links clients with marketers
Startups that tap the so-called gig economy, including ride-hailing powerhouse Uber Technologies Inc., have mostly targeted consumers. But a former Salesforce.com employee has launched one aimed at businesses—and she’s off to a solid start.
Small biz agency graduates first mini-MBA class
The Emerging Leaders program, managed by the Indiana SBA office, runs for seven months and targets entrepreneurs from historically challenged communities.
Soaring Rx costs lift firm’s prospects, job creation
Rx Help Centers assists employers and customers as they navigate through the confusing web of prescription drug discounts. Business is so good that the company hopes to add 250 workers by 2017.
Research shows benefit of women in startup management teams
Recent research has found that high-growth startups with women on their management teams outperform those with all-male teams—a discovery that has spurred several central Indiana organizations to step up efforts to boost gender diversity.
Co-working space with charity bent to launch in Lawrence
Launch Cause, which will operate out of a new building at the former Fort Benjamin Harrison, bills itself as Indiana’s only co-working space specifically targeting not-for-profits.
Farm family near Grand Park adapted to encroaching development
Craig Wood has spent most of his 60 years on 191st Street in Westfield, living and working on his family farm. For most of that time, the adjacent land has been other houses and farm fields, but that all changed on Nov. 18, 2011, when construction on Grand Park Sports Campus began.
Fast-growing tech companies slow to go public
Indiana hasn’t seen a company launch an initial public offering in nearly two years. When the next IPO comes, it likely won’t be a technology company.
Fantasy-football app developers team with DraftKings, ESPN’s Matthew Berry
Local entrepreneurs Mark Welsh and Charlie Russell last year started an app development company. And this year, they inked partnerships with ESPN fantasy football guru Matthew Berry and daily fantasy sports behemoth DraftKings for their first major endeavor.
Craft breweries rush to open outposts in northern suburbs
Small breweries are tapping the northern Indianapolis suburbs. Four have opened just this year, essentially doubling Hamilton County’s craft beer market. And that growth is expected to continue.
Globe-trotting financier launching angel firm
Indianapolis native Danny Chan, a managing director at Iconic Private Equity Partners, a Hong Kong-based firm, is back home in Indiana and ready to launch an angel investing group here that will help fund Hoosier startups of all stripes.
Steve Hilbert seeks comeback in insurance
The controversial co-founder and former CEO of life insurance giant Conseco Inc. (now CNO Financial Group Inc.) spearheaded the purchase of a small life insurance company operated out of Texas and plans to gradually build up its operations here.