Denver’s path to startup utopia
This deep-dive of the history of innovation in Denver from Mic has been making the rounds this week. It features some key players like Brad Feld and rising stars like Revolar’s Jacqueline Ros. Other highlights: Denver is the best place in the U.S. for female founders, thousands of young people are relocating here every year and our community is tighter-knit than in other startup cities. It’s a great piece that’s definitely worth the long read. [How Denver became an unlikely startup mecca, Tech.Mic]
Webroot report shows increase in polymorphic malware attacks
Cybersecurity company released a report this week saying 97 percent of malware is polymorphic, evading detection by traditional security software. Phishing attacks are on the rise, and they’re mainly targeting people’s Gmail or Facebook accounts. Webroot said their solutions employ machine learning to better detect these attacks even after they’ve changed form. [Webroot's report says computer attacks that evade detection are the norm, Denver Post]
Hickenlooper names Erik Mitisek as new Colorado CIO
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper appointed CEO Erik Mitisek as the state’s new Chief Innovation Officer this week. Mitisek will oversee the Colorado Innovation Network, of which he is the Chair, to better position Colorado as a leader in innovation and business development. The appointment is effective immediately. [Erik Mitisek is Colorado’s new Chief Innovation Officer, ColoradoBiz]
Aventeer launches new concierge service
This week, Denver-based startup launched a new concierge service, allowing companies to submit projects and have all the work taken care of. The service uses a team of freelancers to handle paperwork and sourcing to project management and delivery. Aventeer says their database will help companies save on agency fees while pairing them with better-qualified candidates. [Press release]
Hancock unveils new economic development project
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock this week unveiled a new three-year project intended to boost economic development in the city. The project includes a new loan fund for Denver startups, among other initiatives targeting entrepreneurs and immigrant entrepreneurs focusing on the retail space. [Hancock unveils 3-year eco-devo push to help startups, entrepreneurs, Denver Business Journal]
Inside Sales Bootcamp opens enrollment for Boulder course
Boulder-based Inside Sales Bootcamp announced this week open enrollment for their Boulder bootcamp course. The 10-week program is designed to increase gender and ethnic diversity in technology and it guarantees job placement within 90 days of graduation. Their network of mentors and hiring companies work to train participants for a sales career, including real-world applications prior to graduation. Interested candidates can apply via their website. [Press release]
Denver and Xerox partner to create transportation app
The City of Denver and Xerox launched an app this week to help smartphone users get around the city, and to help Denver city planners understand how people navigate the space. The app, Go Denver, lets users route their path to a destination and provides information like travel time, cost, or calories burned. [Denver and Xerox launch local trip-planning app, Denver Business Journal]
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