StartupCity Des Moines co-founder Tej Dhawan didn’t set out to be recognized as a community leader. But over the last few years, Dhawan has become one of central Iowa’s most well-known startup advocates.  “I think at this point, were he to detach, were he to move or something like that, there would be half a dozen vacuums that were created, not just one,” StartupCity Des Moines’ other founder Christian Renaud told the Business Record. “Because the guy is legitimate.” Dhawan, who recently appeared on the cover of the Business Record, also helped launch StartupIowa and still finds time to run his own startup, Pikuzone. — Source: Business Record

Silicon Prairie Shorts are sponsored by Polsinelli. On a daily basis, Polsinelli technology attorneys work with clients creating or using innovative technology. Check out the firm’s Science and Technology Law Group to learn more.