Downtown Denver tech startups employ more than 4,500 people
The Downtown Denver Partnership released a new report on the city’s startups this week in conjunction with Denver Startup Week. 4,508 people work at 664 tech startups in the city center, and they make up for nearly 10 percent of all downtown businesses. That last number is only getting bigger, with 13 percent growth over the last two years more than $420 million raised in just the past 12 months. That last number encouraged a lot of discussion at Denver Startup Week’s kickoff, where people tempered their excitement about the momentum with a message that work still needs to be done to make Denver better for startups. [Colorado Biz, Business Den]
Denver Startup Week breaks registration records
While some may fret that Colorado isn’t doing quite enough to support startups, there is plenty of enthusiasm for small and growing businesses. Denver Startup Week announced that registrations topped 12,500 people, who plan to go to more than 300 events. The free event is the largest of its kind in North America and brings together founders, investors and those looking to improve the startup scene for a week of events. [Press release]
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Six new startups named to Denver Gazelles
Half-a-dozen new startups were added to the list of growing firms that have a high potential from bringing jobs and money to the city at Denver Startup Week. The Denver Gazelles, a list maintained by the Denver Office of Economic Development, named Blinker, Cloud Elements, Havenly, MindAptiv, ParkiFi and SendGrid to the list. Started in 2012, the list now includes 25 companies. [Denver Business Journal]
Growing diversity a key metric for nearly three quarters of startups
Techstars also released a new report at Denver Startup Week, detailing diversity in the startup world. According to the report, increasing diversity is a key element for 72 percent of startups. However, many believe it only improves innovation, not financial stability. The study also found that while knowledge of unconscious bias in the workplace has risen, few companies have anything in place to actually reduce that bias. [Press release]
Havenly introduces free design help in iOS app
Virtual interior designer Havenly is trying to make home makeovers a little easier. The company released a new iOS app this week that lets users meet virtually with professional designers to get advice on home decor. The service will be free for a limited time, helping users make the most of their space with tips on everything from furniture choice to wall coverings. [Press release]
Convercent gets first chief compliance officer
Convercent has named Katie Smith as the company’s first chief compliance officer. She will make sure the company’s expanding internal compliance program ensures growth at the maker of enterprise compliance management software. Smith comes to Convercent from financial services company USAA, where she was assistant vice president and chief ethics officer. [Press release]
The Food Corridor launches to let commercial kitchens work cooperatively
Colorado’s latest food-focused startup isn’t about meal delivery or smart appliances — it’s about the kitchen. Fort Collins-based The Food Corridor lets commercial kitchens easily rent out space to businesses that only need prep locations occasionally, like food truck owners and caterers. The launch comes after a successful test run with 12 kitchens and 50 food startups in Colorado. [Press release]
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