It’s up to Jane Joseph to not only tell the story of startup incubator Innovation Works, but also to help its fledgling portfolio companies develop a voice of their own. It is her duty to communicate to startup founders the resources that IW has to offer, pitch success stories from the organization’s portfolio companies to the local media, develop expert panels to educate founders on specific topics and meet with IW’s portfolio companies to learn about their goals. Joseph also is a member of the Venture For America regional advisory board, all with the goal of helping to grow Pittsburgh’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What inspires you to assist startups and help provide resources to startup leaders?
These are individuals who have taken on the challenge of creating their own business, and their tenacity inspires me to work harder for them. Many have walked away from careers because they believe in the problems that their products or services are solving, so it would be hard to not be inspired by that!
What is a challenge for Pittsburgh’s startup community, and how could it be addressed?
Our startups need revenue to keep the lights on, and it would be great to rally around them as a community. Our UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge is an example of addressing this. I also love the PGH Lab model. These opportunities that connect companies with financial assistance and/or potential customers are critical to help our startups get to the next level of success. Even on a personal level, we can intentionally shop from our local startups. For example, do you have Meter Feeder on your phone? Download it right now to support a local founder every time you park. Need new makeup? Subtl Beauty just launched a gorgeous lavender stack. Attending a baby shower in the near future? Treat them to loungewear from Mamalux.
Join us at The Assembly in Bloomfield on Sept. 20 to honor our Fire Awards recipients and celebrate innovation, resilience and the spirit of entrepreneurship.
