Elevate Ventures already looking ahead to next year’s Rally conference
But the Indiana Economic Development Corp., which provided $1.5 million for this year’s conference, hasn’t yet decided whether to invest in a 2024 event.
Susan Orr
Articles
Rally conference pitch contest selects five startup winners
The five winners—three startups from California and one each from Kentucky and Massachusetts—are now eligible for up to $1 million in investment funding, provided they commit to establishing a presence in Indiana for at least a year.
Entrepreneur Scott Dorsey, Purdue chief Mung Chiang talk leadership, more at Rally conference
Their conversation touched on topics ranging from leadership advice to Indiana’s entrepreneurial climate to Purdue University’s plans to expand its Indianapolis presence.
Podcaster Guy Raz offers business insights at Rally
Media personality Guy Raz, host of the podcast “How I Built This,” addressed a range of topics on Wednesday as a keynote speaker at the Rally innovation conference in downtown Indianapolis.
Biz founders: Indiana’s collaborative spirit helps spur innovation
A panel of business owners shared their thoughts on launching a company in the state at the Indiana Technology and Innovation Association event held in conjunction with the Rally innovation conference.
Panel: Indiana must do more to nurture tech talent, innovation
During a panel discussion held in conjunction with Elevate Ventures’ Rally innovation conference, panelists emphasized the need to invest in the people and innovation necessary to advance Indiana’s economy.
Local software firm ConverSight.ai lands $9M in venture funding
Indianapolis-based software firm ConverSight.ai helps clients analyze their data and make business decisions. The company has raised a total of $15 million since its founding in 2017.
Hoosier companies contributing to NASA’s mission to Mars
The space agency’s Artemis program aims to build sustainable moon infrastructure that can serve as a launching pad for human missions to Mars. Indiana companies from all over the state are helping to make the huge endeavor a reality.
Indianapolis startup Stellar helps customers use AI
Indianapolis-based Stellar is a tech services firm that helps companies implement artificial intelligence and other technologies into their operations. The startup launched earlier this year and emerged from stealth mode this week.
Indianapolis coding school Kenzie Academy to close
Kenzie Academy, launched in 2017, stopped enrolling new students on Tuesday and has eliminated the jobs of more than 100 employees.
Indianapolis food-tech firm True Essence lands $27.6M growth investment
True Essence Foods, whose original product was an artisanal chocolate called SoChatti, has secured 15 patents for its technologies, with another 70 patent applications in process.
Software developers say AI technology helps them work faster—sometimes
Local tech firms that have started to use the technology say, with the caveat that it’s difficult to make long-term predictions about ever-changing technology, that they view generative AI as a tool rather than a job killer.
Feds want more teeth to fight fake online reviews
The Federal Trade Commission has proposed a rule that would give it authority to fine businesses that write, buy or sell fake reviews, provide compensation for positive or negative reviews, or sell fake social media followers.
Upcoming Rally conference sparking additional downtown gatherings
At least seven other events are taking place in and around downtown Indianapolis Aug. 28-30, all designed to capitalize on the momentum organizers hope Rally will generate.
Noble Roman’s CEO to remain on company’s board for now
A major shareholder of the Indianapolis-based company had been attempting to get its own CEO elected to the board instead.
Indianapolis consulting startup Stitch lands $3.3M in state incentives
Stitch, a marketing tech consulting firm, can earn up to $3.3 million in state economic incentives if it hires at least 100 Hoosiers by the end of 2027. The company launched last year out of Indianapolis venture studio High Alpha.
Cybersecurity firm Stamus Networks lands $6M investment
The funding round included participation from Indianapolis-based investors Elevate Ventures and VisionTech Partners.
Inaugural Rally conference aims to draw innovators
The Aug. 29-31 event at the Indiana Convention Center will have 220 speakers, five pitch competitions offering up to $5 million in total prize money, and hundreds of meetings between entrepreneurs and investors representing multiple industries.
Noble Roman’s faces investor lawsuit in ongoing proxy war
Indianapolis-based Noble Roman’s Inc., which is battling one of its biggest shareholders over whether to replace CEO Scott Mobley on the restaurant company’s board of directors, is now facing a lawsuit from that shareholder over the same issue.
Bloomington-based angel investor fund has big growth plans
Dimension Mill just closed its fourth angel investors’ fund this week, with $1.08 million from 52 investors. The fund has been so successful since the program’s launch in 2020 that Dimension Mill is planning significant expansion to spur more investment activity.