In this episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Micah Walker welcomes Gabe Howard, the third fellow of the InnoVenture Iowa Fund, to discuss his experiences and insights into the Iowa entrepreneurial ecosystem. Gabe, a finance major at Drake University, shares how his background in a small town and family business sparked his interest in venture capital. He recounts his journey from a high school student dabbling in the industry to becoming a fellow, emphasizing the importance of personal interactions and mentorship from influential figures like Kaylee Williams. Gabe highlights the role of Iowa's educational institutions in fostering entrepreneurship and describes how diverse faculty members at Drake helped ignite his passion for the field. 

Micah and Gabe delve into the intricacies of the fellowship experience, discussing the challenges of reaching out to founders and navigating the entrepreneurial landscape. Gabe reflects on the valuable lessons learned from interacting with founders, including the importance of respecting their stories and the entrepreneurial spirit required to succeed. The conversation also touches on the significance of effective communication and pitching skills for early-stage startups. They emphasize that while having a solid business idea is crucial, the ability to convey that idea convincingly to investors is equally important. Gabe concludes by expressing his desire to continue his career in venture capital, inspired by his fellowship experience, and Michael extends his gratitude for Gabe's contributions to the program.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/gabe-howard