The Multiplier Effect

Proof-of-concept funding is often one of the largest barriers entrepreneurs face when attempting to launch a company and access to high value mentors is a critical component of the success of any early-stage company. Winrock International's I-Fund provides both funds for technical assistance and training to enable entrepreneurs to make their ideas, research, and inventions a reality. In this episode, I-Fund Program Manager, Amy Hopper, shares how her team provides a platform for the creation and launch of high-growth companies, spurring economic development, and job creation. 

In the middle of the American Heartland and headquarters, Northwest Arkansas has enjoyed national attention from Entrepreneur.com as an unexpected hub for tech startups, from DataFox as one of the best places to found a startup outside of Silicon Valley, and from FastCompany.com as a top place for minority-owned businesses. To kick off Season 2, we are joined by Jeanette Balleza Collins, Entrepreneurial Development Director of the Northwest Arkansas Council, as she shares with us some of her favorite organizations and initiatives that are helping to facilitate meaningful connections for entrepreneurs in the Heartland. Special thanks to the Northwest Arkansas Council and Startup NWA for sponsoring the Ecosystem Builders Series. 

And that’s a wrap for Season 1 of The Multiplier Effect! Join the Endeavor NWA team as they discuss their favorite moments from the Investor Series, books they’re currently reading, and what’s in store for Season 2!

According to experts, the coronavirus pandemic is already leading to greater adoption of ESG and impact investing principles. Among the new norms that may come into view when the all-clear sounds are that ESG integration is likely to be considered foundational to assessing any company’s ability to weather major disruption. Tom Groos, Partner at City Light Capital and Endeavor Detroit Board Member, discusses how responsible investment and ESG strategies have performed amidst the turmoil of COVID– and what the future may hold for them.

In the fifteenth episode of The Multiplier Effect, we are sharing exclusive content co-hosted by our team and the Northwest Arkansas Council. Each talk in the You Love series explores a point of passion, covering topics from art to culinary experiences to the outdoors, music, and our team’s favorite topic, entrepreneurship. Canem Arkan moderates this lively chat between three rockstar panelists, Arlan Hamilton, Emily Heyward, and Linda Rottenberg. Together they share their views on startup culture and the path to creating dynamic and accessible entrepreneurial ecosystems around the world.

In the fourteenth episode of The Multiplier Effect, Laura shares her unique perspective for companies navigating the crisis and offers insights specifically for SaaS companies on how to prioritize people over pixels through agile operations and strategic investment planning.

In episode thirteen of our Investor Series, Claire England discusses the assets she has seen women investors bring to the table and what programs are impacting entrepreneurial education for growing cities outside the coasts.

In episode twelve of our Investor Series, Mervin Jebaraj, Director at the Center for Business and Economic Research of Walton College, addresses the economic impact of COVID-19 on the State of Arkansas, and more specifically how this is impacting Main Street America. 

In episode eleven of our Investor Series, Linda Rottenburg, CEO and Co-Founder of Endeavor, interviews Kevin Ryan, Founder & Chairman at AlleyCorp. At AlleyCorp, the simple motto, "We Found Companies. We Fund Companies. We Pay It Forward," belies the incredible vision and fortitude Kevin Ryan has brought to his storied career as a serial entrepreneur. The results speak for themselves: Kevin has been the founder or CEO of more than five multi-billion dollar companies over the last 25 years, and he's not done yet! In this episode, Kevin shares his deep experience as a founder, operator, and investor in some of the most well-recognized brands on the planet.

In the tenth episode of our Investor Series, Founder and General Partner of Valor Ventures, Lisa Calhoun, discusses the power of habits being broken and how that creates more opportunity for entrepreneurs than ever before.