Phyllis Ellison

Whatโ€™s Next For St. Louis With Phyllis Ellison

As the number of St. Louis startups continue to grow, the voices and concerns of its founders, grassroots organizers and support organizations need to be heard, perhaps now more than ever.

What does the St. Louis innovation community need to do now to support its startups? Where is it succeeding?

We gathered community members to talk to us about our regionโ€™s current challenges and possible solutions.ย 

Phyllis Ellison is theย Director of Entrepreneur Services & Institutional/Corporate Partnerships at Cortex.

Phyllis Ellison
Phyllis Ellison is the Director of Entrepreneur Services & Institutional/ Corporate Partnerships at Cortex. | Photo courtesy of Phyllis Ellison

What are three issues, gaps or improvements that St. Louisโ€™ startup ecosystem needs to address?

More funding at all levels; corporate involvement with startups; marketing of our innovation assets to St. Louis and the rest of the country.

Which one would you focus on first?

Marketing. St. Louisans are so inspired once they learn about Cortex, T-REX, the support organizations and investor networks.

What approach would you take to solving that?

Involve the whole region, every person. We need the St. Louis Visitors Commission, St. Louis Regional Chamber and media to share the story.

What is your hope for St. Louisโ€™ startup future?

In the next few years, I hope more St. Louisans support the angel investing groups and accelerators.

What do you love about the current state of STLโ€™s startup scene?

People! Fabulous, talented, committed people that get things done! Collaboration is a way of life in the startup community.

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