Jim and Karen Linder at the 2012 Silicon Prairie Awards.
Jim and Karen Linder are the founders and managing directors at Linseed Capital. Through that fund they’ve invested in companies like Bulu Box, Flywheel, Eye Verify, SkyVu and Travefy—just one piece of how they support our community. We recently asked the Linders to share their Big Omaha experience to provide insight on both the conference and community for first-time Big Omaha attendees. They didn’t disappoint.
Why did you decide to go to Big Omaha for the first time?
We attended the first Big Omaha six years ago to support the sponsorship of the Nebraska Angels. Then and now, we were interested because of the energy it brings to the community and the chance to meet new people and hear their ideas. Since that time, we have not missed a moment of the conference. It’s inspiring in ways people cannot imagine, unless they attend.
Thanks to our sponsor
What were your impressions of Big Omaha 2009?
We were amazed by the first Big Omaha. The quality of the speakers was first rate, and you could tell that the younger members of the audience were having their eyes opened to what others had done and the realization that they too could follow that path in their aspirations and business goals.
How did the conference compare to expectations?
Our expectations were, and continue to be exceeded. Since Big Omaha was born, other conferences have emerged that fill educational needs. But the people who come to Big Omaha, and the venue that KANEKO provides, sparks a special chemistry. It really does foster creative thinking.
What is the biggest takeaway you’ve had from Big Omaha?
The consistent message is that you can build a great company in Nebraska or the broader Silicon Prairie. Big Omaha has shattered the notion that you must be in Silicon Valley, or in Boston or Austin to be successful, not to diminish in any way the importance of having links to those communities. There is no question that Big Omaha has heightened national awareness among technology leaders that great entrepreneurial energy exists in Nebraska. The conference has helped connect our community with investors outside Nebraska.
How have your experiences at Big Omaha influenced the connections made and the way you approach investing?
Over the last five years, aside from Big Omaha, numerous individuals and organizations have changed the landscape of the local startup ecosystem. These include the Nebraska Angels, the Omaha Chamber, the University of Nebraska, Pipeline Entrepreneurs, Nebraska Global, code schools, StraightShot and N-Motion and countless individual entrepreneurs. We’ve grown by our interactions with these groups. Their leaders have become our friends and partners. It’s a great community that has shaped our business, what we do and how we think. The next five years could truly be amazing.
Credits: Photo by Silicon Prairie News.
