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SeedSpot CEO: Midwest ecosystem must 'beat our chests' and invest in diverse forms of capital
Summary
Shannon McGee, CEO of SeedSpot, told the forum the Midwest should leverage collaboration and increase risk-capital and flexible funding for founders, while celebrating Midwestern strengths and encouraging reciprocity from successful founders.
Shannon McGee, CEO of SeedSpot, said the Midwest's strength is collaboration and that the region should be more assertive about its successes while expanding access to risk capital and mentorship.
"We need to beat our chests more," McGee said. She argued the Midwest should build reciprocal support systems where successful founders mentor and invest in new entrepreneurs rather than emulating coastal patterns exactly.
McGee urged looking to collaborators and existing regional programs (for example, Chicago Blend and other fellowship initiatives) to improve diversity and pathways for founders. She said success should not be measured solely by unicorns; instead, she recommended measuring regional gains by how many founders progress on their chosen growth trajectories and give back to local ecosystems.
