Recorded Oct. 21, 2011 by Event1 Video.
The inaugural Thinc Iowa conference provided an arena for conversation on the common ground between established corporations and startups. Nine speakers, ranging from the founder of a new payments network to the chairman of a worldwide advertising network, took the stage Oct. 21 at the Temple for Performing Arts in downtown Des Moines to contribute to that conversation.
To be timely, we’re releasing the entire Thinc Iowa Video Series this week. Thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a Kansas City-based foundation that works to harness the power of entrepreneurship and innovation, for sponsoring the Livestream and Video Series, and to our video and post-production team made up of Event1 Video and Evolve.
Thanks to our sponsor
The seventh speaker in our Video Series is Ben Milne, co-founder and CEO of Dwolla, a payment platform that allows users to send and receive funds from any other user at a flat rate of 25 cents per transaction.
In his talk, Milne discussed the unique challenges and advantages associated with building a business in Iowa, addressed what he views as common misconceptions about undertaking that task and reflected on the resources he has tapped in leading one of the Silicon Prairie’s standout startups.
“Des Moines gave me mentors that I’ve never had, it gave me advisors I’ve never had, it gave me access to capital I’ve never had, it gave me groups of friends I’ve never had,” Milne said.
He continued: “And Thinc Iowa is just like, to me, the beginning of other people beginning to see what I already know: that it can be done here. We can start here, and we can grow from here. And the opportunity to be involved with this is a big deal for me.”
Read our recap: “Ben Milne – ‘Think bigger than your parents are comfortable with’ “
About Thinc Iowa and Big Omaha, our two premier events:
Thinc Iowa, a Silicon Prairie News premier event, is held each October to provide a common ground for startups and corporations to explore partnerships, examine innovation and share lessons learned. Visit thinciowa.com to learn more.
Big Omaha, a Silicon Prairie News premier event, is held each May to inspire, educate and connect entrepreneurs, especially those with an interest in the tech industry. Visit BigOmaha.com to learn more.
