Venture Club Relationships Accelerating Growth
How Chris Frantz Optimizes His VCI Membership
At the Venture Club of Indiana, we take pride in fostering connections, providing resources, and supporting our members in their entrepreneurial and investing endeavors to help them succeed. One member who has experienced significant benefits since joining is Chris Frantz, a founder whose journey reflects the power of community and networking within our organization.
One of the key moments for Chris came when he attended a Venture Club event where he learned about the Innovation Voucher program through the Applied Research Institute (ARI). This program turned out to be a game-changer, as Chris was awarded two Innovation Vouchers to support his project. The financial and technical support from these vouchers gave him the boost he needed to move forward, and it all started with a simple conversation at a Venture Club event.
Chris’s story highlights the value of networking that comes with being a Venture Club member. At one of his first events, he had the opportunity to meet Jim Culhan at 316 Product Development. Their conversation led to Chris signing a contract to build automated robotic units, an important next step for his company’s growth.
But the connections didn’t stop there. Chris also connected with John Drach at Purdue University’s Technical Assistance Program through the Venture Club. This led to an exciting opportunity for Chris to begin work on a Tap40 project, further expanding his business’s reach and capabilities.
Thanks to a referral from Venture Club member Dennis Schell at Innovation Law, Chris connected with Hamish Cohen at MBCB Attorneys, who now serves as his legal counsel. Having access to a trusted legal advisor has provided Chris with the guidance he needs to confidently navigate legal and contractual matters as his business grows.
Chris also met Brittany Mann from Business Growth Consultants through the Venture Club. He has since signed a contract with Brittany to assist in securing grants and tax credits, key elements for funding and sustainability. Brittany has also introduced Chris to a potential investor, opening doors to further growth opportunities.
One of the standout aspects of Chris’s experience has been the wealth of knowledge he’s gained from fellow members and speakers at Venture Club events. The insights and advice he has received have been instrumental in shaping his business plan and guiding his strategy for future success. Chris believes that his progress today is due in large part to the knowledge and support he has gained through his Venture Club membership.
Chris shared, “I firmly believe my progress would not be as advanced without my membership. The relationships I’ve built and the insights I’ve gained have been critical in shaping my business.”
Chris Frantz’s experience exemplifies the opportunities available to entrepreneurs through the Venture Club of Indiana. From networking and securing crucial resources to gaining insights that shape the future of their business, our members are building meaningful relationships and driving their ventures forward. Chris’s story is a testament to the collaborative spirit of our community, and we look forward to seeing his continued success.
As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to continue fostering connections, supporting innovation, and celebrating the success of members like Chris. Stay tuned for more stories of progress and inspiration!