New Verge Leader Outlines Vision
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe new leader of an organization that supports Indiana entrepreneurs and startups says he's looking to grow the state's already “vibrant and diverse technology sector.” Verge has named Alec Synnestvedt executive director. He previously served as product marketing manager at Indianapolis-based T2 Systems and is a former Orr Fellow. Verge Founder Matt Hunckler made the announcement Thursday at the Innovation Showcase.
Synnestvedt says one of his priorities is to enhance Verge's online presence with original content.
Hunckler says Synnestvedt will work to increase Verge's reach within and outside of Indiana, and look to grow events such as Powder Keg and the Innovation Showcase.
Hunckler says the DePauw University graduate will be a “perfect fit to grow out community.”
July 11, 2013
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Alec Synnestvedt is excited about the growing energy among Indiana entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs, as evidenced by the evolution of Verge from an unassuming local tech networking group in 2009 to a multi-chapter entrepreneurship initiative supported by more than 2,000 members.
Announced today as Verge's new Executive Director, Synnestvedt (pronounced Sin-Est-Vet) is ready to spread Verge's vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem into other cities in an expanded effort to help lesser-developed startup economies across the country compete with their coastal counterparts.
Although Verge will continue hosting its monthly gatherings, during which two or more entrepreneurs pitch their ideas and field questions from sold-out audiences composed of fellow founders, developers, advisors and investors, Synnestvedt is eager to introduce new programs and initiatives to help advance early-stage companies by connecting them with educational and financial resources, top-notch talent and a national support network.
“Verge is itself a startup and, like any startup, we want to take the things that have worked and provided people with the most value and build on them,” said Synnestvedt. “Verge exists to support startups, and we want to leverage the platform that's been built here in Indiana so that new hubs can spin up and connect with one another nationwide.”
Verge founder Matt Hunckler, who officially named Synnestvedt as the organization’s new executive director on-stage during the fifth annual Innovation Showcase, will take on the role of Verge's advisor and evangelist while he “leads by example” as vice president of product development at ChaCha's social media subsidiary Social Reactor – a position he took on earlier this year.
“As a graduate of the Orr Fellowship and with a unique background in software development, economics and creative writing, Alec is an exceptional choice to lead Verge into its next chapter of growth,” said Hunckler. “Alec doesn't just have an exciting vision for Verge; he has the skillset and experience to lead Verge to the next level and beyond.”
A DePauw University graduate with degrees in English Writing and Economics, Synnestvedt previously served as product marketing manager for parking software developer T2 Systems.
For more information about Verge, visit http://vergestartups.com/
About Verge
Verge, the largest group of software entrepreneurs in the Midwest, is an innovative community of tech entrepreneurs, software developers, and business investors. With more than 2,000 members in multiple cities, Verge has provided a stage for hundreds of entrepreneurs to launch their businesses in front of 1,000-person audiences and connect with capital, customers and talent. In addition to hosting monthly gatherings, Verge orchestrates larger events, including the annual Innovation Showcase and the Powder Keg conference in October.
Sources: Verge, Inside INdiana Business