I sit down with Jon Atkinson, CEO of Idea Village, a New Orleans start-up incubator with billion-dollar exits in their portfolio.  In this episode, we talk about what he sees in successful start-ups, why New Orleans is ripe for continued innovation, and why you should start your company in the city. Tune in to this incredibly insightful episode.

Jon is an expert in startups, customer development methodologies, and entrepreneurial finance. His past experience combines a diverse knowledge as a professional investor and ‘recovering’ banker with skills gained as a professor, CEO, CFO, business advisor, board member, and strategic consultant to deliver unique business insights in guiding and financing unique business insights in guiding and financing growth oriented companies. Jon was previously the founding director for the Loyola University Center for Entrepreneurship and Community Development and a Visiting Assistant Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship at Loyola University New Orleans. He is also a co-founder and the Fund Administrator for Lagniappe Angels, LLC. Jon also holds his MBA in Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship from Tulane University. When he isn’t busy supporting the entrepreneurs of New Orleans, you can find Jon rowing out in the waters of the Gulf. He also loves all things traveling, coffee and LaCroix, and watching Chef’s Table on Netflix. Jon’s favorite thing about working at The Idea Village is providing businesses with the resources they need to be successful, as well as the great potential he sees in the entrepreneurs of New Orleans.

www.Ideavillage.org

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