Over a decade ago Silicon Valley, Boston, Austin and a handful of high-tech hubs seemed exclusively poised to seize a prosperous future, essentially leaving every other region struggling to adapt to unmistakable shifts in the economy. These regions held a clear advantage: they were home to a critical mass of startups. With so many companies, the regions could sit back as entrepreneurs networked with each other, found investors and pressed forward. Some hit it big and others gradually gained traction; many more failed, and when one did, a seemingly endless assembly line of entrepreneurs and new ideas fueled new ventures to fill its place.

Pipeline sought to change the equation. From the beginning, we focused on identifying the region’s innovators with the most promising ideas who were also demonstrating skills as CEO/founders. We then surrounded them with support so they could gain traction and grow—and challenged them to expand their vision and drive for even greater success.

Looking out over the past 13 years, we are so proud of our entrepreneurs. The typical Pipeline company is growing at an annual rate of more than 20 percent—nearly 3x the average for U.S. small firms—creating new jobs and new wealth along the way. Pipeline-led companies are among the region’s fastest-growing ventures, and they dominate the ranks of venture- and angel-investor-backed companies in our region.

BY THE NUMBERS

Pipeline’s economic impact is potent. Pipeline entrepreneurs run some of the most impactful companies in their region and throughout the world.

Companies led by Pipeline entrepreneurs:

• Have generated revenues of over $1.39B
• Have raised over $608M in outside capital
• Have created over 2700 jobs
• Are doing business in over 85 countries

“Being from the Boston/MIT entrepreneurial community, I meet countless U.S. and foreign organizations working to build a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem of their own and looking to us for guidance. After working with Pipeline for over eight years, I can tell you what I tell everyone now—go talk to Pipeline. No matter how you measure impact and effectiveness Pipeline really delivers the goods. I know I speak for many others who would echo that sentiment as well. Pipeline is the reason I keep coming back to the Midwest; what Pipeline is doing and planning is not only really important to the Midwest it’s just that important to our national economy and—potentially—just that effective at impacting it.”

— JOE HADZIMA | SENIOR FELLOW | MIT | BOSTON

“Pipeline’s impact in the entire region is irrefutable. Look at the people, capital, products and the global markets where they operate. These are no longer just Midwest entrepreneurial leaders—they are global entrepreneurial leaders.”

— LAURA KILCREASE | FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR | TRITON VENTURES | AUSTIN