Storylines: Iowa community continues to expand, come together

It’s been six months since Omaha editor Jordan Pascale has been on the job, and he reported on a lot in his first few months. We were taken back by all the movement, which got us to thinking, “What have been the key storylines for each region?” Each has had a unique story, and over…

It’s been six months since Omaha editor Jordan Pascale has been on the job, and he reported on a lot in his first few months. We were taken back by all the movement, which got us to thinking, “What have been the key storylines for each region?” Each has had a unique story, and over the next three days we’ll run through some of those storylines—Nebraska yesterday, Iowa today and Kansas City on Friday. Tweet at us with #NEstorylines, #IAstorylines and #KCstorylines so we can continue and add to the conversation.


For Nebraska’s entrepreneurial community, the last six months meant lots moving and growing talent pipelines. In Iowa, that time has been spent building something new. Whether that’s a new startup accelerator (or two), a new gathering place for the community or a handful of successful community-run conferences, there’s no question whether or not Iowans have been creating. Some of these projects may only be in the early stages, but the energy across the state already is palpable.

But with so many different communities across the state, sometimes it’s hard to see changes across the larger ecosystem taking place. So let’s recap.

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Finding a center of gravity

At least in central Iowa, one of the community’s largest discussions has centered around place, specifically what will happen when StartupCity Des Moines shuts its doors at the end of September. But, like many other times, the community rallied to support a new endeavor that will help shape the ecosystem’s future, not only in the coming months but in the coming years. 

University involvement surges

Although they’ve been present before, colleges and universities really stepped up over the last six months to help fill the pipeline with qualified and passionate future entrepreneurs. With weekend and semester programs in place, students are diving headfirst into entrepreneurship now more than ever.

Launch, launch again

Over the last six months, we’ve seen lots of Iowa companies relaunching, rebranding and working to hone their products. Others have celebrated birthdays and significant milestones, taking the time to reflect on the decisions and struggles that made their business what it is today and learning what it means to be one of the “older” startups in the state.

Accelerator-ing

While companies left for and came back from accelerators this year, Iowa got something it’s never had before: an accelerator. Two, in fact. It may still be early in Iowa’s accelerator game, but if the response Straight Shot, NMotion and the Sprint Accelerator have seen is any indication, the next six to 12 months in Iowa could be even more exciting. 

Events with community focus

Multiple Startup Weekends, a hackathon or two, and a number of successful entrepreneurial conferences. There have been a lot of events happening around Iowa in the last few months, with more to come throughout the summer and into the fall. Along with building new things, Iowa entrepreneurs are continuously finding new ways to connect and come together. 

Funding

Funding news, an acquisition and a new Iowa investment fund. Raising money in Iowa will still likely be a topic of conversation moving forward, though slowly but surely, companies are proving it can be done. 

Misc. & Outside Forces

In the past six months we’ve shared the stories of selfless community members who took it upon themselves to start after-school programs, throw themselves into their work and help make the world a better place for others. The individuals and groups who go beyond the typical 9-to-5 are what continue to make Iowa’s community so special. 

Did we miss anything? Let us know at editor (at) siliconprairienews (dot) com.

How would you sum up Iowa’s last six months? Tweets us your thoughts about what things stand out the most using #IAStorylines and we’ll include them here.


Credits: Photo by Jason Mrachina.

This story is part of the AIM Archive

This story is part of the AIM Institute Archive on Silicon Prairie News. AIM gifted SPN to the Nebraska Journalism Trust in January 2023. Learn more about SPN’s origin »

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