What makes the Midwest the next opportunity area when it comes to startups and tech? Four startup leaders from across the region would all agree that it has a lot to do with the Midwest’s natural strengths.
Hospitality, collaboration, service-mentality, education (fun fact: 25% of computer science grads got their degree in the Midwest), and of course, cost of living. . . These are things that come naturally in the Midwest, and it’s creating an environment for growth and opportunity.
“It’s a unique moment in time, accelerated by COVID, and the boomerang phenomenon is alive and well in the Midwest. It’s exciting, and I’m really looking forward to the coming months,” said Lori Coulter, co-founder and CEO of Summersalt.
Lori, along with Kyle Lacy (CMO at Lessonly), Tony Nuckolls (RVP at Quicken Loans), and David Medwid (Director of Talent Acquisition at Olive), joined us for a virtual panel discussion: The State of the Midwest Startup Community 2020.
People tuned in from all over—Detroit, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Columbus, Chicago, Cleveland, Grand Rapids, Cincinnati, and New York City. The panelists shared their expertise, advice, and insight into our unique Midwest startup and tech ecosystem:
• Advice on standing out when looking for a job in this remote world
• How to be an “intrapreneur” in your role
• Insight on being a female founder and what to do when VC firms ask prevention questions instead of growth questions
• The effects major IPOs and acquisitions can have on a startup community
• Why we should all “shout from the rooftops about the Midwest,” as Kyle put it
• And more wonderful nuggets of wisdom
Missed the panel discussion? No sweat. You can check out the complete recording here.
“We are one big community, and this is the next opportunity area. There’s a great opportunity to keep the talent here in the Midwest with the companies and cultures that we’re building. It’s all about culture,” David said. “A huge benefit of our culture is the Midwestern mentality. People have your back, are willing to network and help you. And that goes a long way when you’re at a company trying to learn and take on new responsibilities.”
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• Upskill & Accelerate:
Kenzie Academy (Indianapolis)
Grand Circus (Detroit)
TechTown (Detroit)
Rev1 Labs (Columbus)
T-REX (St. Louis)
Center for Emerging Technology (St. Louis)
Lori Coulter, Co-Founder and CEO at SUMMERSALT
Kyle Lacy, CMO at Lessonly
Tony Nuckolls, RVP at Quicken Loans
David Medwid, Director of Talent Acquisition at Olive