Coaching, Mentoring, Entrepreneurial Assistance and Funding -- TechStart Offers It All

TechGenesis… EIRs… TechStart… Do you ever hear these terms and wonder exactly what people are talking about?  Will Indest, TechColumbus vice president of venture development, was recently interviewed by the State Science and Technology Institute (SSTI) about the TechStart program.  Published as a podcast on the SSTI Web site, the interview provides a comprehensive view of the programs and services made possible through the TechStart program, a program sponsored by the Ohio Third Frontier and community partners.

Indest touches on the funding sources available from TechStart,  but also on the coaching and mentoring services available at no charge from a variety of domain experts and business startup specialists.  

“Everything is offered under one roof.  We can take a comprehensive approach to venture development versus piecemeal,” says Indest.  “In this way, companies can move from one group of TechStart specialists to another group more appropriately aligned with their needs, relatively easily and quickly.”   

He says that although the funding is what initially draws entrepreneurs to TechStart, often times it’s the coaching and mentoring services that prove most valuable.

“We begin working with these companies much earlier than most VCs or angels would entertain consideration of them” he says.  “We work with them to make sure they find their right place within the commercialization continuum.”

The TechStart program received a national award last fall from SSTI for its venture development services which were recognized for Expanding the Entrepreneurial Capacity of the Central Ohio Region. 

If you would like a better understanding of the TechStart program and its services, listen to the 10- minute podcast here