The latest episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, hosted by Micah Walker, features Joe from BioAxis, a fractional leader with Jennings Kallen Advisory. The discussion, recorded at the Jethro’s Barbecue Studio, delves into Joe’s journey into fractional leadership and his work with BioAxis and other startups in the Midwest. Joe shares his background, growing up on a family farm in Iowa and studying ag business at Iowa State University, which ignited his entrepreneurial spirit. His experience includes starting companies in the aquaculture space and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Joe’s role as a fractional CFO involves working with startups that need expertise but cannot afford full-time staff. He helps these companies secure grants, loans, and investor preparedness, and scale their operations. Joe enjoys the diverse experiences gained from working with various companies and learning about different industries, such as trucking and rare earth recycling.
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The podcast highlights BioAxis, a company founded by Tom Nicholson and Nick Berry, which focuses on improving biosecurity in the animal protein industry. They aim to introduce new chemistries to tackle biosecurity challenges, drawing inspiration from the human health market. Joe praises Iowa as an ideal location for ag and biotech companies due to its efficient energy and protein production.
Joe discusses the fundraising landscape in Iowa, noting that while it’s challenging, there are opportunities through grants, loans, and venture capital. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and connections within the ecosystem. For early-stage companies, Jennings Kallen Advisory offers support in various aspects, including investor preparedness and resource identification. Joe encourages entrepreneurs to reach out for guidance, even if they are early in their journey.
Finally, Joe and Micah shout out to various resources and individuals supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Iowa, such as the Des Moines Partnership and Ag Startup Engine.