If you want to know just how vibrant Arizona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is, consider taking a look at this week’s feature story in the Phoenix Business Journal about the state of venture capital in Arizona.
Tech reporter Amy Edelen captured the momentum and optimism of our startup ecosystem, as well as the growing investment sources that have the potential to catapult us to the next level.
To be sure, Arizona has long had the foundational ingredients that make it an ideal place to start and grow a business: a great quality of life, affordability, location, sensible regulations, and, last but not least, exceptional talent.
It’s impossible to list all the players in our talent-rich ecosystem – the entrepreneurs with big ideas or the bold investors making deal flow in Arizona rich and vibrant.
Players like Plug and Play, who recently celebrated the launch of its newest office location in Arizona with the Arizona Commerce Authority, focused on Advanced Manufacturing.
Or Venture Madness by Invest Southwest, since 1992, works to bring together investors with the region's most promising ventures. Recently announced the winners of the 2023 Venture Madness conference. Arizona's longest-running capital conference and pitch event.
I genuinely believe we are on the cusp of doing something great with the confluence of new, local capital in Arizona and the multiplicity of players who are engaged to grow an ecosystem.
At AVC, our goal is to make Arizona a Top 10 state in VC funding in five years and break down barriers to make Arizona the most inclusive environment for VC investing, opening opportunities for disadvantaged communities and minority entrepreneurs.
We can do this – together as a community. Let’s keep up the momentum!
- Andy
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