SO THE STORY GOES
How Startup Waco Came To Be
Startup Waco was formed when a team of independent thinkers, spanning all sectors of the Waco community, came together around one belief: If Waco, Texas would continue its pioneering legacy and transform into the next premier Texas city, we needed to formalize an entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Through a strategic partnership between the public and private sectors, Startup Waco was born. Now, as a 501c3, Startup Waco serves the Greater Waco community by creating a thriving culture of entrepreneurship. Designed with an inclusion mindset, Startup Waco champions entrepreneurs of all types by breaking down traditional barriers, collaborating with like minded institutions and filling gaps. Out of a physical space in downtown Waco, Startup Waco hosts a coworking environment, runs meaningful programs designed to support local businesses and operates as a hub for the Waco business community.
Meet the
Startup
Waco Team
Our team is eager to meet you and find out how we can better serve you.
Ashley Olivarez
Membership and Events Manager
Habla Español
Cody Carlson
Development Partner
Victoria Bingaman
Capital Access Manager
Jon Passavant
CEO
Elaine Botello
Operations and Human Resources
Partner
Kailey Towns
Director of Communications
Emily Miller
Principal Events Partner
Jermaine Malcolm
Entrepreneur in Residence
Our Board of Directors
Catherine Ballas
Co-Founder and CEO of REFIT® Revolution
Andrea Barefield
Waco City Council Member, District 1
Kris Collins
SVP of Economic Development, Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce
Kyle Deaver
Partner, Deaver and Deaver
Chris DeLeenher
Co-Founder, Boaz Capital
Bacilio Garcia
Vice President, Alliance Bank Central Texas
Cameron Goss
President, Bowen Electric Co.
Tasmin McDonald
Owner, Mac’s Fry House
Doug McNamee
President, Field and Stream
Weldon Ratliff
Waco Business Leader & Philanthropist
Mark Reynolds
North Regional President, Extraco Banks
Sarah Roberts
President, KSR Capital
LaDainian Tomlinson
Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee & Co-Founder of Tomlinson Ventures
Jeremy Vickers
Associate VP for Innovation and Economic Development, Baylor University
ENTREPENEURS
Let’s start
Something Great
If you’re an entrepreneur, you have come to the right place. From business formation and planning, to tactical support, to raising capital, we’re here for you.
PARTNERS
Our Partners
Give Back
We work collaboratively with like-minded corporations, institutions and organizations who share our vision.
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