Tampa-Based Founder Returns Home to Celebrate Startups
By Donna Harris, Managing Director, Startup Regions, Startup America Partnership, @dharrisindc
Startup America is committed to empowering regions across the United States, and to helping them build and grow their own local startup ecosystems. The idea of this ecosystem doesn’t necessarily end at the state line – in fact, it can span the entire country through connections and affinities that people who move out of state always retain. Think about it like this: born and raised in one city, and though you may not live there anymore, you always always root for that same football team. These people, though far away, are just as important to growth at the local level.
A prime example of this is Kevin Hale, one of three co-founders of the website Wufoo.com. Hale, a born-and-raised Floridian, moved his team to Silicon Valley, CA after selling his company. Startup America, through our partnership with American Airlines, helped to bring this energetic and enthusiastic founder returned “home” and participated in Startup Weekend Tampa activities. Hale was pleasantly surprised by how much activity was going on in his home state and city, and the Tampa startup community got a jolt of energy and excitement from his visit.
Our partnership with American Airlines is just one of the ways we embrace the importance of out-of-state connections, and make a direct and meaningful impact on local startup ecosystems.
The border of your ecosystem is not limited to your state. Embrace this. Think about who has an affinity or connection to your hometown, even if they no longer live there, and reach out! Work together and figure out how to leverage a visit that energizes, excites and inspires your community. Need direction? We’re here to help you figure out how to cultivate and grow your startup ecosystem – connect with me @dharrisindc or shoot me an email at donna@s.co.
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