Startup Tucson
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Startup Tucson is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and was founded in 2012 on the heels of one of the first Startup Weekends in Tucson. We strive to increase the number, quality, and diversity of startups and entrepreneurs progressing in their growth and staying active in the innovation ecosystem in Tucson.
Vision
We imagine a Southern Arizona where entrepreneurs of all types can find the support and funding they need to start, grow and succeed.
Startup Tucson is working to transform the region’s economy through entrepreneurship and innovation.
Mission
Our Values
OPTIMISM
We are committed to being optimistic about human potential and the future of our region. All people have the capacity to thrive and succeed with the correct support.
INCLUSIVITY
We recognize entrepreneurship has a history of exclusion. We commit to changing and fighting against that legacy in every aspect of our organization.
CUSTOMER-CENTRIC
Just as we recommend to entrepreneurs to build, measure, learn, and to remain focused on value for customers, we also must do the same.
Our TEAM
Liz Pocock
Chief Executive Officer
Keneshia Raymond
Director of Programs & Access to Capital
Megan Finck
Program & Education Manager
Tyler Thorp
Program and Community Manager
Milana D'Aniello
Marketing &
Events
COLLABORATIVE
We cannot and should not be all things to all people. We seek to elevate our partners and support their efforts so that we all succeed together.
RELATIONSHIP-FOCUSED
Community building is not strictly transactional -- essential to our work is building authentic relationships and friendships.
QUALITY EXECUTION
We pride ourselves on our quality and level of execution and this is because we leave nothing to chance and are prepared.
Our Impact
Small businesses & startups are the engine of our economy, responsible for 90% of all new jobs created
in the United States.
Startup Tucson plays a vital role in the development of our region, punching above our weight for an organization founded in 2012.
Our alumni have brought millions of dollars to our economy, and have added dozens of high-quality jobs.
Our mission is to increase the diversity, quality, and number of startups and small businesses launching and growing in Southern Arizona.
$273,000,000
Alumni have raised
in lifetime investment capital
180
new jobs
in '22-'23
8,200+
Event attendees each year
between Startup Tucson + TENWEST Impact Festival
440 +
entrepreneurs in our network membership
Our founders are more diverse than national averages, but that is not enough! We are resolved to continue to make entrepreneurship welcoming and accessible to all.
Women-Owned = 58%
POC Owned = 35%
Veteran Owned = 8%
Student Owned = 8%
LGBTQ+ Owned = 12%
Idea Stage Companies= 28%
Launch Stage Companies= 32%
Growth Stage Companies= 38%
Exit= 2%
3,900+
Entrepreneurs served
Our Board
Startup Tucson is honored to have some the most active community builders, investors, and entrepreneurs of Tucson serving on our board. Through their leadership and vision, Startup Tucson has become one of Tucson's most well-regarded nonprofits, winning Best Nonprofit in 2019 through the Copper Cactus Awards.
Our board has laid a vision for an organization that is economically impactful, while remaining entrepreneur-centric.