If anyone knows how to help build the Pittsburgh startup environment, it’s Jason Griess. In his role as ecosystem director for InnovatePGH — a nonprofit that works alongside public and private interests to champion the region as a startup hub — Griess serves as the glue that holds together the support organizations of the startup scene. Upon joining InnovatePGH in 2019, he repositioned it to improve connections between local universities and the tech pipeline startups often pursue. More recently, he launched ASTRI, a website looking to grow potential connections to Pittsburgh’s innovation ecosystem for companies and investors inside and outside the region, which is now being used at exhibitions and conventions worldwide.
What do you think makes for a successful Pittsburgh startup?
There are many paths to success … but fundamentally a successful startup is one that accomplishes whatever goals it sets out to achieve. That could mean an acquisition, an IPO or growing to an ideal size and scale.
What is a challenge for Pittsburgh’s startup community, and how could it be addressed?
Frankly, we don’t have enough founders visibly leading in this community. Most of the founders I’ve met are laser-focused on building their companies. If we can reduce the friction for them to take leadership roles in community building, I think we’ll see dramatic changes in our ecosystem.
What has you most optimistic about the region’s startups in the years to come?
The founders I’ve met here have a ton of grit — they are building amazing, world-changing companies in the face of a lot of challenges. As the global startup ecosystem continues to shift its attention away from Silicon Valley, I believe we are in a strong position to reap the benefits.
