EcoMap Technologies, Inc.

Angel investing looks different outside the coasts, and a new generation of investors is working to transform access to capital in the Midwest. At #SXSW2025, James Edward Feagin IV, EcoMap’s Head of Growth, will join Derrick L. Maultsby, Jr. (Frost Brown Todd), Dawn Batts (Milestone Growth Capital Institute), Mike Supeck (Ohio Angel Collective), and Wolf Starr (The Venture Atlas) for an intentional conversation on the future of angel investing in the region. To catch the discussion at Midwest House on Tuesday, March 11 from 3-4 p.m., RSVP here: https://lu.ma/qpgbuopz #SXSW2025 #MidwestHouse #AngelInvesting #StartupFunding #EcosystemBuilding #VentureCapital

We’re kicking off #SXSW2025 with the best kind of gathering - filled with ecosystem builders, big ideas, and great conversations. ?? Join us tomorrow, March 7, from 6-9 p.m. at the Midwest House 2025: Ecosystem Builders Welcome Party, powered by EcoMap. Expect music, food, drinks, and vibes, plus a special fireside chat with Sherrod Davis and Victor W. Hwang, founder of Right to Start. We’re excited to start SXSW surrounded by the people shaping the future of entrepreneurship. Save your spot now! https://lu.ma/ne6p7yv5 #SXSW2025 #MidwestHouse #EcosystemBuilding #Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders are driving change across the country, but their work is often left out of national discussions. That needs to change. At #SXSW2025, Sherrod Davis and Victor W. Hwang, founder of Right to Start, will discuss what’s happening on the ground and what it takes to build real infrastructure that supports entrepreneurs. Join us on Friday, March 7 at 6 PM at Midwest House for a fireside chat on the future of ecosystem building and how we move entrepreneurship to the center of the conversation. Learn more and RSVP: https://lu.ma/ne6p7yv5 #SXSW2025 #MidwestHouse #Entrepreneurship #EcosystemBuilding

Entrepreneurs are wired to innovate, but sometimes the most powerful change comes from listening to and building on what already exists in local communities. Our latest "Building Ecosystems" article explores why immersing in local culture is crucial for entrepreneurial success, especially in underserved areas. Casey Long from Roanhorse Consulting highlights a critical oversight, "Modern economic development does not acknowledge history, doesn't acknowledge culture, doesn't acknowledge language." This disconnect can derail well-intentioned initiatives. Local entrepreneurs, such as military veterans, bring unique resilience and diverse skills. Katie Kilby, formerly of Reveille Grounds, notes, "We're talking about an entire demographic of people who are trained to see a problem and act on it with a solution." Successful ecosystem-building hinges on deep community connections. A study comparing Bangalore and Nairobi revealed how locally-rooted ecosystems thrive. Abby Davidson from Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs emphasizes, "Ecosystem building can't be something that you just lay on to an existing infrastructure." In Baltimore, authenticity is paramount. A. Jay Nwachu of Innovation Works Baltimore cautions, "While it is welcoming, people know when to cut you off if you're not being authentic to yourself." By focusing on local strengths and fostering genuine community engagement, we can create ecosystems that truly empower their communities. Explore how immersing in local culture drives ecosystem success: https://lnkd.in/ekcg88Aa Special thanks to Casey Long, Katie Kilby, A. Jay Nwachu, and Abby Davidson for their invaluable insights and contributions to this discussion. #BuildingEcosystems #LocalCulture #EcosystemIntelligence

?? Headed to SXSW? ?? Don't miss out on our meetup! We're kicking off with music, food, drinks, and good vibes with our friends at Midwest House. ?? Plus, a fireside chat with our CEO Sherrod Davis and Victor W. Hwang, author and founder of Right to Start. ??

Why Conversation Matters in Ecosystem Building, Now More Than Ever ?? In an era of shifting economic and political landscapes, where civil discourse can feel increasingly fractured, entrepreneurial ecosystem builders have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to foster meaningful conversation. Dialogue is not just about exchanging ideas; it’s about building trust, strengthening partnerships, and driving collective action that leads to real impact.? Together, we’ll explore:?? ? Why open, structured, and constructive conversation is essential in today’s ecosystem-building efforts ? How ecosystem leaders can navigate collaboration amid shifting dynamics ? What strategies can help maintain productive dialogue across diverse perspectives EcoMap's Kevin Carter will join the insightful discussion with Tasemere Gathers of DM Firm, Lindsay Schuenke of InBIA, International Business Innovation Association, Jennie Allison of University Economic Development Association (UEDA), and Jim Woodell of Venn Collaborative. The discussion will be moderated by Andy Stoll, Executive Director of the Ecosystem Building Leadership Network. At a time when divisions can threaten progress, this conversation will highlight why ecosystem builders must remain intentional about dialogue to create resilient, innovative, and inclusive communities. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the free, online C?CUBE toolkit (https://www.ccube.tools) for ecosystem building, and Venn Collaborative’s C?CUBE Peer Learning Roundtables. Special Roundtable registration rates will be available to all webinar attendees. Date & Time: Tuesday, March 4, 3 PM – 4 PM Eastern Register now: https://lnkd.in/ew2aWsu9 Join us for this critical conversation on how we can strengthen our ecosystems—together.??

Economic development is deeply intertwined with entrepreneurial ecosystem building. This was reinforced when we joined fellow economic development leaders at the International Economic Development Council's Leadership Summit 2025 in Washington, D.C. Dell Gines, IEDC’s Chief Innovation Officer, emphasized that collaborative, innovation-driven strategies are essential. It's clear that strengthening entrepreneurship is a significant driver for regional economic growth. The summit highlighted several crucial themes facing economic development decision-makers this year: the inseparable nature of policy and economic development, the importance of higher education institutions as partners in growth, the need for local implementation of national programs like the CHIPS Act, and the fact that advocacy is no longer optional for EDOs. Adaptability, proactive engagement, and strategic partnerships are vital for economic developers. At EcoMap, we're dedicated to helping EDOs map opportunities, track policy impacts, and build thriving economic ecosystems. A huge thank you to Kevin Carter for his insightful recap and for representing EcoMap so well at the summit! Read more here:? https://lnkd.in/eiZ7WFBr #EconomicDevelopment #EcosystemBuilding?

We appreciate the Ohio Economic Development Association's support! Building strong relationships with leaders like David Zak is at the heart of what we do. Thank you, OEDA, for highlighting EcoMap's potential to positively impact Ohio's economic development community.

What a great experience! Best of luck to all of Break Through Tech's Sprinternship students.

In this issue of "Ecosystem Intel," we explore our collaboration with Business Oregon to enhance resource awareness across the state's 36 counties. We're also offering a FREE Data Plan Template for Ecosystem Mapping to help overcome common hesitation about how to get started. Plus, learn how the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council is using technology to transform arts engagement. ??