Press Coverage
Pre-seed funding will help more women succeed
IBJ, September 2020
Despite what you might have seen on TV shows and heard from privileged investors, great ideas are not always funded. Too often, female founders with viable ideas don’t have enough pre-seed capital to prove out the concept and go to market. Kristen Cooper, CEO & Founder of The Startup Ladies defines the term, how pre-seed money is spent, and how more people with financial capacity can go from sideline cheerleader to pre-seed investor.
Venture firm opening Indy office to target the overlooked
IBJ, August 2020
Cincinnati-based Lightship Capital is opening an Indianapolis-area office within three months to provide underrepresented entrepreneurs here access to a $50 million investment fund. Kristen Cooper, CEO & Founder of The Startup Ladies, stresses the importance of minority-led venture capitalist funds creating opportunities for minority entrepreneurs.
Retain customers and expand market share through COVID-19
IBJ, June 2020
Customer needs and human behavior have changed because of COVID-19. We’ll be dealing with this virus for a long time, so now is a good time to think about if and how you need to modify what you sell. Kristen Cooper, CEO & Founder of The Startup Ladies, shares 5 new strategies you can apply to keep your current customers happy and retain new ones.
Brothers to funnel $4.5M into companies stung by pandemic
Indianapolis Business Journal, June 2020
Sensing an investment opportunity—and a chance to do good—the four Litt brothers have set aside for investment a portion of the $40 million they reaped from the 2019 sale of their transportation-management firm, Reliable Source Logistics. Startup Ladies CEO & Founder, Kristen Cooper, offers her perspective on the importance of including diverse, expert perspectives to guide the fund.
Member Profile
Platform 24 Member Podcast, May 2020
In this podcast episode, The Startup Ladies CEO & Founder, Kristen Cooper, sits down with Chris Loudenslager to talk about the origins of The Startup Ladies, the importance of mental health in business, and working remotely during COVID19.
Dallara transforms local IndyCar shop for fight against COVID-19
IndyStar, March 2020
When corporate member Scott Tarter (Partner, Bose McKinney & Evans) reached out to Kristen Cooper late on a Friday night to help source people and materials for medical masks and gowns, The Startup Ladies got to work immediately. Scott, Kristen, Stefano Deponti (CEO, Dallara), Rob Mayer (President, Mayer Fabrics), and Polina Osherov (Executive Director, Pattern Magazine) were emailing past midnight to turn a good idea into a reality.
Big Exits, Affordability, and Tech Transplants: Why Indianapolis Is the Next Big Startup City
Inc., March 2020
This Midwestern city is racing to recruit entrepreneurs. Affordability, a new rapid transit line, and a business-friendly government are helping Indianapolis become a hotbed for B2B startups. Here's what to know.
Could this be a boom time for B2C startups and small businesses?
IBJ, March 2020
"Local companies that can sell directly to consumers might be able to stave off dissolution, keep more people employed, and gain new customers through this recession. Now might be a good time for some startups and small businesses to consider pivoting their marketing and sales dollars to the individual consumer."
INsiders: Women in the Workplace, Securing Funding and Challenges & Opportunities
Inside Indiana Business, March 2020
Each week a group of INsiders joins us to offer perspective on some of the week’s top stories. This week we’re sounding off on important issues women face in the workplace... especially when it comes to entrepreneurs securing funding. The Startup Ladies CEO & Founder Kristen Cooper hosts the panel with: SnapShyft Co-founder & COO, Stephanie Corliss, Singleton Companies Co-Founder, Judy Singleton and Former CFO for Interactive Intelligence, Ashley Vukovits.
Member Profile
Women & Hi Tech, March 2020
In 2014, Kristen Cooper made the leap from working in the nonprofit industry to working in tech. Why? “I had kind of a bad day back in 2011,” she jokes. Cooper attended a venture-focused luncheon, one she had been attending for years. “There were a few hundred people in the room - almost all men. On that particular day, someone sat next to me who said something very nasty about politics. Afterward I thought...
Startup Competitors Podcast
November 2019
In celebration of his 100th episode, Kristen Cooper brings in mimosas and interviews host Mike Kelly on how Startup Competitors got started, what he's learned throughout his time as a podcast host, and how he wants to improve in the future.
Everyone on a team is in sales, no matter the title
IBJ, November 2019
Whether a company is in the startup phase or has matured into an established enterprise, every single person in the organization plays a role in sales. For many industries, Q4 can be the busiest time of year in sales. Now is the time to encourage all members of the team — even those without the word “sales” in their titles — to contribute to the overall sales mission. In this post, Kristen details exactly how staff members at all levels can contribute toward brand awareness, qualified lead generation, and closing deals.
If you’re looking for customers, try these ideas.
IBJ, October 2019
“How do you find prospective customers?” It's one of the most frequent questions Kristen Cooper gets from first-time founders, career changers she's mentored, and newbies in sales. Whether they are entering into the market-research phase of their startup or are in full-on sales mode, these seven suggestions have helped them identify more prospective customers.
Is unicorn lust impeding investment in local startups?
IBJ, September 2019
Even though only a tiny fraction of business are considered "unicorns," or privately-held companies with a valuation of at least $1 billion, they get the most of the media's attention. Many scalable startups struggle to get the same investment support, despite their demonstrated achievements. Kristen Cooper discusses the impact that unicorn lust has on the growth of the local economy and urges investors to take social responsibility and support local startups.
What’s the collateral damage of excluding women?
IBJ, July 2019
If women are absent from a panel, C-suite, board, investment portfolio, or decision-making committee — intentionally or “unintentionally” — there are consequences. In this IBJ article, Kristen Cooper discusses the chain of events that follows when an event unveils an all-male panel, or #manel.
Report: Indiana needs more entrepreneurs
WISH-TV, June 2019
According to the Indiana Chamber of Commerce's Vision 2025 economic development Report, Indiana has dropped from 44th to 47th best in the nation for new entrepreneurs. Kristen Cooper shares her theory that startups need more chances to thrive, which starts with support from the state and groups like The Startup Ladies.
What’s a startup to do when 100% of the team goes down?
IBJ, May 2019
Unexpected emergencies can strike anyone, and your staff is no exception. But what should you do when all of your staff members need to take time off at once? In this article, Kristen Cooper draws from her experiences to help you keep your business afloat when your scrappy-yet-mighty startup team goes down unexpectedly.
C-level execs fuel economy by supporting startup founders
IBJ, April 2019
According to Techpoint's 2018 Tech Census, Indy’s C-suites are not nearly as engaged in the startup ecosystem as those in cities such as Cincinnati, Nashville, Denver and Boulder. In order to become more competitive on a national level, C-level executives in Indianapolis must become more actively engaged. Kristen shares 3 steps executives can take to engage with potential partners, clients, and investors in the startup community.
Tech Startup Focusing on Family Moments
Inside INdiana Business, March 2019
Kristen Cooper serves as guest host in this interview with Startup Ladies member Carrie Griffith, CEO and founder of Little Nugget. Carrie discusses how her time at Microsoft helped prepare her for entrepreneurship and shares what she looks for in an investor.
3 Startup Ladies members compete for $1,000 from The Startup Ladies Fund at PitchFeast on March 18
The Startup Ladies, March 2019
On Monday, March 18, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. at the Hatch, three members of The Startup Ladies will have the opportunity to pitch their startup at PitchFeast for a chance to win $1,000 from The Startup Ladies Fund.
Three Investor members from The Startup Ladies will serve as judges. Each pitch finalist will have five minutes to pitch and ten minutes to answer questions from the judges. Immediately following, the judges will deliberate and select a winner. The $1,000 grant will be awarded to one Startup Lady member at 7:45pm.
Read the full press release to learn about this exciting event!
Startup Competitors Podcast
February 2019
In this podcast episode, Kristen Cooper sits down with Mike Kelly to discuss lessons she learned from founding and building The Startup Ladies community. Kristen shares her founding story and addresses building a strong team, the importance of mental wellness work, and community-building strategies and practices.
5 ways men can help achieve gender parity
IBJ, February 2019
In the #MeToo era, more men want to better perceive, interpret and respond to inequities. They are taking the time to understand the obstacles specific to all women, particularly women of color and women who identify as LGBTQ+. Increasing mentoring relationships between women and men is an important component to creating more equitable and mentally healthy work environments as well as ending gender disparity in C-suites, boards and investment deals. Kristen Cooper, Startup Ladies CEO & Founder, shares 5 actions men can take to support gender parity.
First-time entrepreneurs often make this costly mistake
IBJ, December 2018
Kristen Cooper, Startup Ladies CEO & Founder, discusses the importance of identifying and validating a market before launching a product. She walks through four steps every founder should take at the beginning of their startup to save valuable time, money and equity.
Q&A with Marie Maher, founder of Synapse Sitters
IBJ, December 2018
Startup Lady Marie Maher's personal struggle to find a babysitter for her son inspired Synapse Sitters, an online network of specialized sitters for parents of children on the autism spectrum and other intellectual and developmental disorders (IDD). In this interview, she discusses her newfound love for technology and its potential to solve problems.
Startup Ladies Launch Startup Study Hall Online
Inside INdiana Business, December 2018
Startup Study Hall Online will provide access to the organization's executive mentors from anywhere in the country. The membership-based platform was announced on November 27, 2018 as part of The Startup Ladies' fourth anniversary luncheon in Indy.
In this interview with Inside INdiana Business Reporter Mary-Rachel Redman, Kristen Cooper, who founded The Startup Ladies four years ago, says the platform will not only support the growing number of women building scalable businesses, but also those who are looking to invest in startups.
New Startup Ladies Platform Targets Startups, Investors
Inside INdiana Business, November 2018
Alex Brown, of Inside INdiana Business reports on Startup Study Hall Online, The Startup Ladies' newest service which provide access to the organization's executive mentors from anywhere in the country.
The Startup Ladies Looks to Help Women Entrepreneurs
WTHI-TV10, November 2018
WTHI-TV10 interviews Kristen Cooper, Startup Ladies CEO & Founder, about what The Startup Ladies does to help make starting a business easier.
Startup Ladies to Mark a Milestone
Inside INdiana Business, November 2018
Andy Ober of Inside INdiana Business announces The Startup Ladies' 4th Anniversary Luncheon, which was held on November 27 at The Center and featured a a keynote from The Heritage Group President Amy Schumacher and a pitch competition.
How do venture capital tax credits help startups in Indiana?
October 2018
Kristen Cooper discusses the Venture Capital Investment Tax Credit program, a tool founders can use to raise money for their early-stage startups. This program incentivizes investment by providing investors with credit against their Indiana tax liability. Read the full article to learn if you are eligible and how to apply!
California got it right on this one
October 2018
Kristen Cooper expresses her support for California Senate Bill 826, which requires that all California corporate boards include at least one woman. This, she argues, will ensure that boards will reflect the diversity of their companies' stakeholders. Kristen also addresses the fact that companies must also establish clear plans to identify, mentor, train and sponsor women as future leaders.
Startup Ladies, A Place For Women Entrepreneurs
Bloom Magazine, September 2018
Janet Mandelstam reports on The Startup Ladies Inaugural Meetup in Bloomington, held in January 2018. In the article, Startup Ladies Bloomington member Pam Weaver, founder of Dragonfly, and Kristen Cooper, CEO & Founder of Startup Ladies, discuss how The Startup Ladies are bringing valuable resources and support to the Bloomington entrepreneurial community.
How does a non-technical founder build software?
September 2018
Building technology is complex, expensive, time-consuming and totally exhilarating! Kristen Cooper offers some guidelines for the non-technical founder that will take your idea from dreamy possibility to viable product. If you follow these steps, and do the work, you might very well go from being a big thinker to an accomplished founder.
Women & Hi Tech Nominations
September 2018
Kristen Cooper, Startup Ladies CEO & Founder, is nominated for two Women & Hi Tech 2018 Leading Light Awards.
The Women & Hi Tech Leading Light Awards (LLA) recognize women of achievement in STEM who made great innovations in their industries, and have shown qualities of expertise, professionalism, leadership, service, courage, and tenacity as they built their careers. Women receive awards for excellence as mentors, risk takers, and more.
Mental health impacts startups, founders and employees
July 2018
Mental health is often ignored while starting up a company. There’s just too much to do. Founders and investors are focused on getting a product to market and securing a return on investment. However, not paying attention to mental wellness can cost a startup dearly. Kristen Cooper provides tangible strategies for approaching mental health issues in entrepreneurship, such as working to end social stigma around mental illness and starting work with a therapist.
Time to step up and invest in women-owned startups
June 2018
Although the number of women-owned scalable startups is growing rapidly in Indiana and data shows that women yield a higher return on investment, only 2.19% of venture capital dollars were invested in women-owned startups in the United States in 2017. Kristen Cooper addresses this issue and shares six actions investors can take to step up and change it.
Kristen Cooper Wins Community Champion of the Year - Interview
April 2018
Gerry Dick, host of Inside INdiana Business, interviews Kristen Cooper, CEO & Founder of The Startup Ladies, winner of the Community Champion Award at the 2018 TechPoint Mira Awards. Kristen Cooper discusses what drove her to found The Startup Ladies and the amazing growth that The Startup Ladies has accomplished in the past year.
The Startup Ladies Founder Kristen Cooper wins Community Champion of the Year Mira Award
TechPoint Index, April 2018
Kristen Cooper, Startup Ladies CEO & Founder, wins "Community Champion of the Year" at TechPoint’s 19th annual Mira Awards on April 28, 2018. The Mira judges chose Kristen because they believe "The Startup Ladies has filled a crucial role within the tech community in the Greater Indianapolis area that is bringing more women entrepreneurs to the forefront and providing the resources and access to capital that they need to be successful."
Techpoint awards Kristen Cooper the Community Champion Mira
Indianapolis Business Journal, April 2018
Kristen Cooper, Startup Ladies CEO & Founder, wins "Community Champion of the Year" at TechPoint’s 19th annual Mira Awards. At the event, Mike Langellier, CEO, Techpoint declared that "Kristen is filling a crucial role within the tech community of bringing more women entrepreneurs to the forefront and providing the resources and access to capital that they need to be successful."
Community Champion of 2018 is Kristen Cooper
Inside INdiana Business, April 2018
Kristen Cooper, Startup Ladies CEO & Founder, wins "Community Champion of the Year" at TechPoint’s 19th annual Mira Awards on April 28, 2018. The winners were selected by a panel of 52 judges from a pool of over 200 nominees.
Is your startup idea viable and scalable?
April 2018
You have a startup idea, but is it viable and scalable? Viability depends on validation that a market wants, needs and is willing to pay for your product or service. Scalability requires sustainable, repeatable and measurable processes that increase sales volume and grow profits. Kristen Cooper outlines six simple steps you can take to determine if there is a marketplace for your startup idea.
Top leaders need to support LGBTQ employees
February 2018
When leaders cannot see the problem and employees are not comfortable enough to say something, toxic workplace cultures develop. It is the responsibility of leaders to educate themselves about the lifestyles and difficulties LGBTQ communities face and be open to the many ways that people experience their world. Kristen Cooper, CEO and Founder of The Startup Ladies, addresses this issue and offers tangible solutions to foster an inclusive workplace.
The Startup Ladies Adds Bloomington Chapter
Inside INdiana Business, January 2018
Kristen Cooper, CEO and Founder of The Startup Ladies, announces the debut of The Startup Ladies Bloomington chapter. She emphasizes that "given the interest, academic, and economic development resources available in Monroe County, we thought this would be an ideal region to grow the next wave of women founders and women investors."
Every woman deserves equal pay. Here’s how to get it.
Linkedin Pulse, December 2017
Kristen Cooper, CEO and Founder of The Startup Ladies, addresses a report published by the Indiana Institute for Working Families, which documented that women in Indiana receive 26%-44% less in pay compared to men. She calls for everyone, from executives to employees, to take action and advocate for equal pay for all.
Startup growth improves in metro Indy
Indianapolis Business Journal, October 2017
Hayleigh Colombo reports on new data from the Kauffman Index of Growth Entrepreneurship, which ranks Indianapolis-Carmel as one of the top 10 metro areas for entrepreneurship growth. In the article, Kristen Cooper, CEO and Founder of The Startup Ladies, also sheds light on the challenges many women- and minority-owned businesses still face due to unconscious bias.
Indiana Conference for Women Preview
October 2017
Kristen Cooper, CEO and Founder of The Startup Ladies, joined Gerry Dick and Melina Kennedy (General Manager of Global Rail of Defense, Cummins) on Inside INdiana Business to discuss the upcoming Indiana Conference for Women 2017, where The Startup Ladies will host the startup pitch competition for the third year in a row.
Capital Concerns: Evaluating Indiana's VC Landscape
October 2017
Kristen Cooper, CEO and Founder of The Startup Ladies, contributes to a roundtable discussion evaluating Indiana’s venture capital landscape.
Grant will allow entrepreneurs to gain free insight from Kelley MBA students
Kelley Indianapolis Hub, September 2017
The Kelley School of Business at IUPUI announces their partnership with The Startup Ladies, in which MBA students will conduct customer development research for entrepreneurs using a grant from the Indiana University Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Council.
Grants, Programs to Boost Women Entrepreneurs
Inside INdiana Business, August 2017
Dan McGowan details the launch of The Startup Ladies' new membership program, new She-Suite and Startup Investing 101 events and The Startup Ladies Fund.
The Startup Ladies: Women entrepreneurs connect through local organization
August 2017
Terri Horvath highlights The Startup Ladies' new paid-membership evolution and highlights its success as a safe networking space for women entrepreneurs.
The Startup Ladies to adopt paid-membership model
Indianapolis Business Journal, August 2017
The Startup Ladies make front-page news with the announcement of its new paid-membership model.
Time for tech to confront gender inequality
August 2017
Kristen Cooper, CEO and Founder of The Startup Ladies, calls for leaders in tech to take principled positions against discrimination and take actionable steps towards equality.
Preparing Men to Support Women in Leadership Positions
Linkedin Pulse, August 2017
CEO and Founder Kristen Cooper proposes a method for developing long-term gender equality: preparing and training men to support women in leadership positions
INsiders: Big Tech Week, UPS Investment, Governor's Trip to Europe
June 2017
Kristen Cooper, CEO and Founder of The Startup Ladies, joined Gerry Dick, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Maureen Donohue Karuss on Inside INdiana Business to discuss inx3, Nextech, Purdue's collaboration with Crane, a new UPS hub in Plainfield, and Governor Holcomb's Trip abroad.
What’s The Password?
Indianapolis Monthly, June 2017
Ally Denton discusses the troubling lack of women starting tech companies in Indiana and credits The Startup Ladies as a leading organization dedicated to supporting women-led startups. She highlights how the Startup Ladies provides space to nurture connections like the collaboration between Billie Dragoo, founder of the Indiana Conference for Women, and Startup Lady Chere Cofer, finalist in the 2015 Dolphin Tank pitch competition.
Unprecedented push underway to advance women in tech
June 2017
Jared Council highlights efforts to increase and support the ranks of women in technology in Indianapolis and acknowledges The Startup Ladies as an organization helping to empower women entrepreneurs.
(pictured: Tiffany White, president of Women & Hi Tech and The Startup Ladies collaborator)
Innovate by investing in women leaders and founders
May 2017
Kristen Cooper, CEO and Founder of The Startup Ladies, calls for a new form of innovation: discover and employ a broader spectrum of people who can bring new insights, new possibilities and new opportunities to every-size business, from startups to mature-stage companies.
Startup Ladies Founder Becomes CEO
May 2017
Alex Brown reports on Kristen Cooper's transition from Cice President of Operations and Corporate Development at Sticksnleaves to Chief Executive Officer at The Startup Ladies.
IBJ Technology Power Breakfast
March 2017
CEO and Founder of The Startup Ladies, Kristen Cooper joined the panel at the IBJ Technology Power Breakfast on March 16, 2017 at the Indianapolis Marriott.
Women entrepreneurs compete at 'Pitchfeast'
RTV6, March 2017
RTV6 and the Mayor of Indianapolis, Joe Hogsett came out to support The Startup Ladies.
The following Startup Ladies pitched at this event (from left to right):
- Jennifer Waligora, Founder, a la cART projects
- Ashley Scott, Founder, Curly in College
- Emma Hostetter, Founder, Borrowed Boutique
Growing tech companies owned and led by women
TechPoint Index, January 2017
CEO & Founder Kristen Cooper shares how her experience in the tech industy led her to her work with The Startup Ladies building a community for women seeking to start scalable businesses.
2016 WOMAN OF INFLUENCE: Kristen Cooper
Indianapolis Business Journal, November 2016
Kristen Cooper was named one of IBJ's Women of Influence in 2016 for her work as founder of The Startup Ladies and Vice President of Operations and Corporate Development at Sticknsleaves.
Indiana Conference for Women helps women break down business barriers
13 WTHR Indianapolis, October 2016
Kristen Cooper, founder of The Startup Ladies, and Startup Lady Karen Mangia discuss The Indiana Conference for Women 2016 on 13 WTHR Indianapolis.
Inside INdiana Business
with Gerry Dick
April 2016
Dawn Lang of Safekeeping discussed how The Startup Ladies' unique combination of mentorship, investment oppportunities, and "the power of positive connections" helps women entrepreneurs succeed in business.
INsiders: Women Have 'Enormous Opportunity' For Growth
March 2016
Kristen Cooper, founder of The Startup Ladies, joined Gerry Dick on Inside INdiana Business to discuss female entrepreneurship with Billy Dragoo, CEO of Repucare, and Shelley Klingermann, Executive Director of Launch Terre Haute.
Starting up strong: From restrooms to boardrooms, Startup Ladies empowering women in business
February 2016
Sam Elliott details the growth of The Startup Ladies from meeetings in the ladies' room to a strong, growing community dedicated to providing structure, consistency and accountability to women entrepreneurs.
Inside INdiana Business
with Gerry Dick
January 2016
Kristen Cooper, founder of The Startup Ladies, joined Gerry Dick to support comprehensive legislative protection for the LGBT community.
The Dolphin Tank
Towne Post Network, November 2015
Kara Reibel details the work Advisory Board members Polina Feldman and Kristen Cooper have contributed for the 2015 Indiana Conference for Women.
'Dolphin Tank' to Boost Women-Owned Startups
November 2015
Startup Study Hall executive mentors Billie Dragoo and Deborah Collins Stephens and Kristen Cooper, founder of The Startup Ladies, joined Gerry Dick to discuss the IN Conference for Women.
Research shows benefit of women in startup management teams
October 2015
Kristen Cooper, founder of The Startup Ladies and Startup Study Hall, was featured on the front page of the IBJ discussing how to eliminate barriers for women who want to become entrepreneurs.
Inside INdiana Business
with Gerry Dick
August 2015
Kristen Cooper discusses The Startup Ladies' new Startup Study Halls, which bring executive mentors to talk with budding entrepreneurs to help launch their scalable businesses.
Launch Ladies: Connecting Women in Tech
Towne Post Network, August 2015
Kara Reibel highlights all that the Startup Ladies (formerly known as the Launch Ladies) accomplished in their first year, including the growing success of the monthly luncheons and the debut of Startup Study Halls.
INsiders: Entrepreneurship Week
June 2015
In celebration of Indiana Entrepreneurship Week, Kristen Cooper appeared on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick to speak about the Launch Ladies. Kristen stressed The Startup Ladies' goal to "focus on entrepreneurship and educate and connect more women so that they can launch their ideas into scalable businesses."