Wechsler to step down from Launch Fishers leadership
The founder and CEO of Launch Fishers and the Indiana IoT Lab has announced plans to leave his leadership roles this summer.
Entrepreneurship
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AgriNovus to launch tech-focused challenge to combat hunger
The challenge, to be called HungerTech, will invite participants to come up with tech-focused ideas for improving grocery delivery access for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
TechPoint to honor Bill Oesterle with annual Trailblazer Award
Angie’s List cofounder Bill Oesterle was chosen to receive the Trailblazer Award at TechPoint’s sold-out Mira Awards gala later this month.
IU’s entrepreneurial culture expands with Founders & Funders Network
IU Ventures and its affiliated programs offer “a sense of optimism and sense of constructive change” for entrepreneurs—so much so that one decided to move his company from Chicago to Bloomington.
Black quality of life initiative accepting first round of grant applications
The initiative is a partnership between the Indianapolis Urban League, the National Urban League and the African American Coalition of Indianapolis, and is funded with a $100 million Lilly Endowment Inc. grant awarded in August 2020.
Startup Quiptu aims to offer peer-to-peer rental platform for outdoor gear
Quiptu, which is short for “equipment to you,” is a startup whose platform will offer a place where the owners of outdoor gear can connect with people interested in renting that gear.
Meeting platforms grow even as COVID wanes
Online gatherings are here to stay, but after two years of Zooming, people are looking for something more than the standard videoconferencing sites can offer.
Initiative will pair Black-owned businesses with downtown spots
The moves are part of a larger effort to help the city’s core recover from the pandemic, and they’re getting help from a not-for-profit that has emerged as a local leader in diversity initiatives.
Indiana Black Expo launches training program for Black business owners
IBE President and CEO Tanya Mckinzie said the initiative grew out of the organization’s pandemic work with local Black business owners and a survey of nearly 1,000 such businesses.
Advocates for female entrepreneurs want Elevate Ventures’ next CEO to be a woman
Members and supporters of The Startup Ladies, an Indianapolis company that supports female entrepreneurship, sent an open letter to Elevate Ventures detailing their concerns that Elevate marginalizes female founders.
Distillery will be fairgrounds’ first year-round retail tenant in two decades
HI & Mighty will open at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in June 2023, making and selling alcoholic spirits in Southwest Pavilion, a building that’s been used for storage in recent years.
Indianapolis-based SEO firm Demandwell lands $5M in seed funding
Demandwell, which offers search-engine-optimization software, says the investment will help it reach growth goals that include tripling its revenues and headcount over the next year.
Shipping container boutique hotel planned for Haughville neighborhood
An Indianapolis company is building a boutique hotel using repurposed shipping containers to accommodate guests seeking unusual experiences in the heart of the city.
High Alpha startup Castiron lands $6M in seed funding
High Alpha launched Castiron in October. The startup offers a platform for culinary artisans to sell their products, connect with customers and run their businesses.
2021 Newsmaker: Robert Laikin, entrepreneur, investor
What drives Laikin is the urge to find the next important thing and get enough people excited to put their money in a deal. He wants them to dream big with him.
The Freedom Forum podcast: Lamont Hatcher, founder of tech firm AIS
Hatcher talks to host Angela B. Freeman about the challenges of being an entrepreneur and how he’s had to push through his introverted nature to become a leader.
IEDC works with accelerator to bring startups to Indiana
Gener8tor is launching four industry-specific programs within its gBETA accelerator for early-stage startups from both Indiana and around the United States, hoping some will move here.
IEDC hires consultant to study state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem
The IEDC has agreed to pay $150,000 to San Francisco-based consultant Startup Genome to generate a snapshot report of the state’s entrepreneurial climate. Based on the results of that report, the IEDC will decide whether to contract with the consultant for additional work.
Black-led financial institution looks to create access to capital
Work is underway to determine what kind of support services Black-owned businesses will need to complement the loan fund.
Carroll Award winner: Bill Oesterle succeeds big time, bridges cultural divides
The founder of Angie’s List and TMap, in recognition of his years of service as a community leader and entrepreneurial force, is the 28th recipient of the Michael A. Carroll Award.