Speak Easy Celebrating Downtown Opening
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Speak Easy will officially open its second Indianapolis location this evening. The new downtown location features dedicated office spaces and resources targeting second and third-stage entrepreneurs.The collaborative work space has helped launch 200 companies since opening in Broad Ripple in 2011. The Speak Easy is partnering with Butler University and Indianapolis-based Nextech on the expanded offerings.
During an interview on Inside INdiana Business Television, Speak Easy Executive Director Danielle McDowell said additional locations could be on the horizon.
The new, 12,000 square-foot facility has more than a dozen dedicated offices as well as open collaborative space. It’s located in the historic Morrison Opera House on Meridian Street, which served as the home of ExactTarget from 2002 to 2005.
McDowell says the Speak Easy’s ultimate goal is to grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Indianapolis. She says to do that, the city needs "people who are hungry, people who are willing to fund it and people who are willing to work."
The Speak Easy will host a private launch party this evening. McDowell, Indianapolis Deputy Mayor Angela Smith-Jones and representatives from Nextech and Butler University will take part.