Creating Startup Junkies
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Building Sustainable Venture Ecosystems in Unexpected Places.
Creating Startup Junkies focuses on the unique proposition of creating sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems in unexpected places. Arkansas, and other "flyover states", are well-positioned to create startup activity and strengthen their ecosystem through intentional cultivation of a collaborative culture, engagement with the community, and capitalization of early-stage ventures. Book a free strategy call with a member of our team. Let’s discuss how we can help you create startup junkies in your unexpected place!
Meet the Authors
Jeff Amerine, M.S., PMP
Jeff is the Founder and Managing Director of Startup Junkie Consulting. Jeff is one of the key leaders nationally involved with the creation of lasting venture ecosystems. Jeff has held senior leadership positions in nine startups and three Fortune 500 companies, and he has made more than 90+ angel investments into new ventures and small businesses either directly or through the funds he manages. Jeff now leads Startup Junkie Consulting, Cadron Capital Partners, and the Tonic Regional Funds. Jeff served as Associate Vice Provost, Research and Economic Development, and Director of Technology Ventures at the University of Arkansas until leaving to pursue Startup Junkie Consulting full-time in January 2015. His work at the University of Arkansas canvassed every aspect of the commercialization of life science, biotech, medical devices, healthcare information technology, pharma, and other areas of scientific and technical innovation. Jeff is a recognized expert in lean startup methodology and customer development processes.
In addition, Jeff is an adjunct professor and teaches entrepreneurship at the Sam M. Walton College of Business at University of Arkansas. From 2008-2017, Jeff was a retained advisor for Innovate Arkansas, a Winrock International program chartered with the creation and support of a knowledge-based economy in Arkansas and has accounted for $300+ million in public and private financing for Arkansas-based small businesses. Jeff serves on multiple for-profit and non-profit boards for organizations such as Phigenics, Ozark IC, OsteoAdvantage, AR Health Ventures, Arkansas Capital Corporation, and SLS Communities.
Prior to all of this, Jeff served six years as United States Air Force Officer, working in the Strategic Air Command as a missile launch officer and later in research and development acquisition. Jeff graduated from United States Naval Academy in 1984 and holds a Master of Science in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas. He is a certified Project Management Institute Project Management Professional (PMP).
Jeff D. Standridge, Ed.D.
Dr. Jeff D. Standridge helps organizations and their leaders generate sustained results in the areas of innovation, strategy, profit growth, organizational effectiveness and leadership.
Formerly a Vice President for Acxiom Corporation, he has led established and startup businesses in North & South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Jeff serves as Managing Director for the Conductor, Co-founder of Cadron Capital Partners, and teaches Entrepreneurial Finance & Innovation Leadership in the College of Business at the University of Central Arkansas.
Dr. Standridge has been an invited speaker, trainer, and consultant for numerous companies, institutions, and organizations across five continents. He is also a two-time best-selling author of The Innovator’s Field Guide: Accelerators for Entrepreneurs, Innovators & Change Agents and The Top Performer’s Field Guide: Catalysts for Leaders, Innovators & All Who Aspire to Be.
Prior to his business career, Jeff spent more than a decade in healthcare, serving as an Assistant Professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and as a member of the Angel Flight Helicopter Transport Team at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. He is also retired from the U.S. Army - Arkansas Army National Guard. Jeff holds the Doctor of Education with special work in Leadership & Organizational Development, as well as a Master of Education with special work in Human Resource Development.
