It’s a rare occurrence to take part in a startup-related event in Pittsburgh and not see Jennifer Apicella there. She is a natural advocate for the region’s growing robotics scene as director of strategic partnerships and programs for the Pittsburgh Robotics Network, a platform for the region’s robotics community to connect, with the goal of building on and increasing the success of Pittsburgh’s robotics ecosystem. But that’s just her day job. She’s also president of Build412 Tech, a networking organization that aims to unite entrepreneurs, technologists and the broader business community with after-work socializing events. Additionally, Apicella volunteers as director of engagement for getWITit National, a nonprofit advocating for the advancement of women in technology.
What do you think makes for a successful Pittsburgh startup?
Being focused on the customer. Startups should have a strong understanding of and focus on knowing their customer and how to offer in-demand solutions and/or services that are valuable to them.
What is a challenge for Pittsburgh’s startup community, and how could it be addressed?
Our startup ecosystem definitely shares similar struggles that all startups face. … But for our region specifically, we have lots of brilliant minds innovating some of the most impressive technologies across multiple industrial markets. An area we can improve on would be matching that strength on the innovation/technology side (R&D) with strong business strategy and expertise (customer adoption, marketing, sales and commercialization).
What has you most optimistic about the region’s startups in the years to come?
Pittsburgh is one of the best places in the world to build a company. We have top-notch academic institutions, great entrepreneurial resources and our culture here has a “roll up your sleeves and work hard” kind of mindset. It’s also just a really cool place to live. I’ve witnessed such consistent growth and success across our business community over the past decade, and so I am definitely optimistic for the future of this ecosystem.
