Today, I’m excited to announce that I am joining Techstars as Managing Director of The Heritage Group Accelerator, powered by Techstars in Indianapolis. Born and raised in Indy, my 20 year entrepreneurial journey is rooted in dedicating time and energy to scaling successful companies and fueling local growth in this emerging heartland tech-hub. I’m thrilled for this next step to support and mentor early-stage entrepreneurs in my home, Indianapolis, alongside an organization that has made remarkable impact on Indiana’s ecosystem and growth, The Heritage Group.

As a serial entrepreneur, angel investor and advisor for startup groups around the Midwest, I have a deep passion for working with other entrepreneurs to help them grow and scale their businesses. I was first introduced to Techstars through my role as a board member for the Indiana Sports Corporation, a founding partner of the Techstars Sports Accelerator Powered by Indy, and was inspired by their mission to help entrepreneurs succeed and their #givefirst mentality. I knew then I wanted to explore their culture and team further.

I joined The Heritage Group Accelerator as an Entrepreneur in Residence for the 2019 accelerator class. Through my role as EIR I had the opportunity to work with and learn from the program’s first year managing director, Lesa Mitchell. Working closely with an Lesa, an inspirational leader, provided me with confirmation and insight into running a world-class program. As Lesa returns to Kansas City to resume running Techstars Kansas City, I have some big shoes to fill and I’m eternally grateful for Lesa’s dedication to the program. I look forward to continuing her legacy in Indiana in leading the 2020 class of the The Heritage Group Accelerator, powered by Techstars.

With this accelerator supporting companies disrupting legacy industries addressing the next generation of solutions serving core business needs, I’m humbled for the opportunity to work with founders that share the same passion and commitment to tackling some of society’s biggest challenges through innovation in industries like energy, transportation, construction materials and chemicals. Over the last 20 years, Indianapolis has grown to become a top player in the tech industry thanks to the grit and hustle of our tight knit community. My mission is to showcase the power of Indianapolis as an established startup community by fostering even more innovation within the city limits. A few of my goals as Managing Director for the program include:

• Driving exposure and leveraging the abundant resources at The Heritage Group for the startup founders. Few other accelerators have an executive team with as much experience, reach or access to state-of-the-art facilities as this group has. 

• Giving back and growing the community by establishing a strong presence of successful  startups in Indianapolis. 

Through my journey as a founder and advisor, I’ve personally experienced the highs and lows that come with growing a new business. That tribal knowledge and industry expertise combined with The Heritage Group’s community of smart, passionate industry leaders will lead to great things for Indianapolis, and I’m honored to have this opportunity. 

Applications for the 2020 Heritage Group Accelerator, powered by Techstars open February 17. Stay tuned for more information or sign up for office hours here. We will be conducting office hours and meet and greet events over the next few months.

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