Director, Entrepreneur Development
Iten
Greater St. Louis Area
ITEN (Innovation Technology Entrepreneur Network) was a primary catalyst for the growth of St. Louis' tech innovation ecosystem. Founded in 2008 with funding from the Missouri Technology Corporation, a primary supporter for many years, this not-for-profit worked with approximately 2000 founders/startups from idea stage through business model validation, fundraising preparation (Mock Angels), and growth & scaling. Receiving additional support from the Kauffman Foundation, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, US EDA & SBA, among others, ITEN offered mentor services & certification (MentorUP), EIR services, in-person and virtual workshops & events, and community connection (ITEN 2nd Thursday). Known for its ecosystem tech reports and maps, ITEN also led the region in data collection on tech startups, DEI initiatives (VISION, Equity Collective), and communication efforts (Startup Digest), as well as ecosystem navigation. ITEN also was a key organizer of Startup Connection and brought the Kauffman Foundation's 1 Million Cups to St. Louis and managed it for 5 years. ITEN became part of Lindenwood University in May of 2020, before the brand was retired in 2023.