Innovation Works provides seed capital and business assistance
to entrepreneurs in southwestern Pennsylvania's most promising
technology startups.
to entrepreneurs in southwestern Pennsylvania's most promising
technology startups.
Long before I was President and CEO of IW, I was a roboticist and entrepreneur. Back then, I spent many late nights redesigning portions of our pharmacy robots including end-of-arm toolings, drive mechanics and other components. In order to complete a prototype of a new design, we were forced to use makeshift equipment in our lab or coax a local machine shop owner to prioritize our small orders to meet a critical timeline. It wasn’t the most efficient use of my time, but there were no other options for a cash-strapped, early-stage entrepreneur desperate to meet a deadline. I had the opportunity … Continue reading
This article was originally posted in the Pittsburgh Business Times on December 21, 2012. Pittsburgh has lost one of the founders of our entrepreneurial and investment community in Don Jones, whose vision helped establish the blueprint for Pittsburgh’s vibrant technology economy. Donald H. Jones’ legacy goes well beyond the facts that he founded four companies that were subsequently acquired, endowed a Center for Entrepreneurship at a world-renowned university, and was managing director at a major regional venture capital firm. For more than 50 years, Don mentored young entrepreneurs to help them grow successful companies. That act of … Continue reading
Last week I was in D.C. attending the first annual meeting of the Advanced Energy Economy (AEE), a new national association that “promotes a better business climate for all segments of the advanced energy industry and helps American companies and workers succeed as the world transitions to a smarter energy future.” For the past two years IW has been helping to conceptualize and shape the AEE, and in that time, a lot has changed. “Green” and “clean”—two of the most widely used adjectives describing energy interests in the U.S.—have begun to lose their luster in some minds due to the decrease … Continue reading
As entrepreneurs discuss ways to capitalize their companies for sustainability and growth, the conversation often turns into how and from whom to obtain funding as well as the health of the region’s financing environment. To that end, the Southwest PA (SWPA) region is showing significant signs of growth not only in the levels of VC funding received but in the activity of our local and non-local angel investors. Southwestern PA’s Fundraising Climate In examining data supplied by Thomson One, we can be cautiously optimistic. Over the last few years growth in total investment dollars has been trending upward, … Continue reading
Our companies are accomplishing some amazing things–and the media is taking note. Here’s a digest of some of the recent press within our portfolio: Hands on With the World’s First Power Folding Stroller from 4Moms [VIDEO] Source: Mashable Circadiance has big plans for 2012 Source: Pittsburgh Business Times Cohera Medical heads into U.S. trials for its surgical adhesive, TissuGlu Source: Pittsburgh Business Times DeepLocal is featured in CommArt’s “Fresh” section Source: Communication Arts IB2C raises $4.3M series A; prepares fertility product launch Source: Pittsburgh Business Times Digital signage company Industry Weapon has secret weapon: … Continue reading
Portfolio co ALung looking to the Chinese market http://t.co/KUBGek4AZt (via @PBT_Malia) 18 hours agoATTN digital & robotics companies: Draft proposals are due TOMORROW at 5PM for the Tech Commercialization Initiative http://t.co/wFYlH65hR1 18 hours ago40 fast-rising young executives in Pgh includes portfolio co's @futurederm, @ShowClix, @nowaitapp & @ActivAided http://t.co/blu9XUxyvn 1 day ago
