Inaugural Accelerate DSM Event Announced
Square One DSM and the Global Insurance Accelerator today announced plans for the inaugural Accelerate DSM event, held on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at the Science Center of Iowa in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). The event is produced in collaboration with 1 Million Cups DSM, the Technology Association of Iowa and dmStartupDrinks.
The day kicks off with 1 Million Cups DSM and features round table sessions, an investor panel and a keynote address. The Global Insurance Accelerator’s 2016 cohort presents demos as its final class event, and the day ends with a tech brew by dmStartupDrinks and Technology Association of Iowa .
Todd Skokan, President and CEO of BirdDogHR will bring the story of the BirdDogHR makeover and its resultant success during Startup Stories. Skokan will share experiences that have won BirdDogHR continuing acclaim, including the importance of a solid business plan. Skokan will also speak to his perception of servant leadership and the role it has played in the business transformation of BirdDogHR.
In 2013, Skokan took the helm of BirdDogHR, a company focused on recruitment software and services. In 2015, the company was named to the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing companies with 103 percent growth from 2011 to 2014 and 53 percent revenue growth from 2013 to 2014. The company has received multiple Technology Association of Iowa recognitions including recognizing Skokan and BirdDogHR as finalists for the 2016 CEO of the Year and Top Growth Company.
Additional speakers will be announced in the coming days. Registration opens Monday, April 18 at DSMpartnership.com.
Media inquiries should be directed to Sophia S. Ahmad at sahmad@DSMpartnership.com or (515) 286-4919.
About Square One DSM
Square One DSM’s mission is to connect entrepreneurial needs with qualified community and state resources and to provide guided professional and business direction. Square One DSM helps entrepreneurs maximize their successes by helping them navigate resources, strengthen knowledge, improve skills, form strategic alliances and secure proper capitalization. Learn more at SquareOneDSM.com.
About the Global Insurance Accelerator
Created in 2014 as an initiative of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, the Global Insurance Accelerator is the world’s first startup accelerator focused on the global insurance industry. The mentor-driven program is backed by major carriers and brokerages and its mentors consist of current and former industry leaders and executives. To learn more about the GIA, visit globalinsuranceaccelerator.com.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,100 Regional Business Members and more than 330 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.