Our review of 2017 and preview of 2018 ends in Des Moines.
A lot can happen in 365 days and we wanted to speak with somebody who’s submerged in the Des Moines startup community to give us an insider’s view.
Mike Colwell, the Executive Director of Entrepreneurial Initiatives at Square One DSM, works with a lot of entrepreneurs and startups companies in Central Iowa.
We asked him to put a bow on 2017 and preview what’s in store for the Des Moines startup ecosystem in 2018.
Our Q&A is below:
Talk about the growth with Iowa’s startup ecosystem and specifically Des Moines during your time with the Partnership and Square One…
MC: In eleven years, I have seen a “non-ecosystem” become a fairly strong ecosystem. In 2007, the idea of a startup was a foreign concept to most business people. Few could identify a startup in Iowa. Angel investors were hard to come by. Some were active but on their own or in a private network. There was almost no peer networking.
All of that has changed.
What did you not expect that turned out to be a welcome surprise? And what challenges have you faced that you weren’t anticipating?
MC: I did not expect the explosion of interest in startups in 2009 and 2010 during the economic disaster. While some came into the startup world primarily because they could not find a job, more came into the world to become a builder.
Look back at the year of 2017, what were some of the biggest stories to come out of the startup community in Central Iowa?
MC: 2017 saw a lot of maturing. I am not sure there was one big story. To me a big story was the number of new investors both in the Midwest and in central Iowa.
How did The Partnership and Square One help?
MC: I think a key benefit we are providing is in the area of getting ready to raise capital. As the ecosystem matures, more startups are seeking larger rounds of capital. In 2017 we started a specific program to help those raising “A” rounds and other large rounds.
Look ahead to 2018, what are you anticipating for Des Moines in 2018?
MC: I believe we will see a further expansion of capital raised. We have several startups and growth companies raising large rounds of capital next year.
Anything we should be anticipating from Square One?
MC: More focus on financials for startups and raising capital
What companies should we keep an eye on in 2018?
MC: Too many to name! If I had to pick one, it would be Rocket Referrals. Successful startups are rare. Successful boot-strapped startups are very rare. Carl and Tory are doing great!
What industries should we keep an eye on in 2018?
MC: Insurance and Ag.
If you were bringing a newcomer to Des Moines and wanted to show off the city and the startup community to them, where would you go?
MC: I would introduce them to a number of peer startups in the ecosystem. That would give them a broad view of the environment.