Innovation Works Inc. has announced that Kirk Botula will join the North Side-based startup investment firm as its new chief strategy operations officer.
In this role, Botula will oversee accelerator and seed programs from IW. He'll also focus on entrepreneurial and platform programs that are tailored to supporting the region's startups.
Additionally, Botula is expected to play a major role in the launching of the Robotics Factory, a joint effort from IW and the Pittsburgh Robotics Network that looks to incubate and aid up to six robotics startup companies by offering them capital, expertise and other services. The Robotics Factory is one of several initiatives spurred by the region's Build Back Better challenge win last fall, which resulted in an infusion of $62.7 million dollars in grant funding for the build-out of various robotics, autonomy and artificial intelligence-based initiatives throughout the region.
"We are excited to bring Kirk onto our team," Ven Raju, president & CEO of IW, said in a press release. "Innovation Works has never been more vital to the economic growth of tech startups in Southwestern PA. As IW continues to support a rapidly evolving regional tech ecosystem with increased investment, expanded programs and easily accessible support services, Kirk brings a wealth of experience and the requisite skill sets as a seasoned operator to effectively shepherd the range of new initiatives."
Prior to joining IW, Botula held various roles in and around Pittsburgh's startup and tech communities. He has served as president of Pittsburgh-based software firm Confluence and he has served as the CEO of Total Bank Solutions, a fintech firm. He's also a founder himself, creating the CMMI Institute, a university spin-out promoting software best practices for tech companies.
"I’m thrilled to join Innovation Works at this time of organizational growth, where we can have more impact than ever before," Botula said in the release. "As someone who has experienced the challenges and rewards of being both an entrepreneur and an investor, I deeply understand the need for support that founders require. With the exceptional team at IW, I am honored to have the opportunity to serve alongside them and help contribute to the economic flourishing of our region."
Botula joins IW as Jim Jen, the firm's now-prior chief operating officer, departed to pursue other ventures. Jen held various positions with IW over the past two decades.
