In a lively episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee Williams engages with Laney Kraus-Taddeo, the innovative founder and CEO of Act Write Here. Laney shares her fascinating journey, starting with her participation in a Techstars Startup Weekend, which was pivotal in the birth of her company. She recounts how she stumbled upon the event last minute, pitched her idea, and went on to win the competition, thanks to her unyielding determination to form a team and articulate her vision. Act Write Here was conceived out of Laney’s personal experiences and needs as a writer seeking collaboration with actors to bring scripts to life. This idea evolved into a digital platform connecting writers and actors, akin to a “Tinder for creatives,” facilitating meaningful creative collaborations.
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Following her success at Startup Weekend, Laney entered Venture School to further develop her startup. She immersed herself in the program, learning critical business skills, engaging in intensive customer discovery, and refining her pitch. Her efforts paid off when she won first place at the regional Venture School competition and subsequently, the Entrefest pitch competition, securing $15,000. Despite these successes, Laney faced a significant detour when she joined Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign as a senior producer, pausing her entrepreneurial pursuits. She reflects on the campaign’s impact and her commitment to making history, even as it temporarily shifted her focus from ActRightHere.
Upon returning, Laney revitalized her startup efforts, securing a place in a venture studio to advance her project. With plans to launch a beta version of Act Write Here, she aims to address the creative industry’s gaps by providing a platform for actors and writers to collaborate remotely. Her ambitious vision includes expanding the platform to serve as a talent and IP marketplace, potentially partnering with major production companies. Laney’s entrepreneurial journey underscores the importance of networking, persistence, and seizing opportunities, as she continues to push boundaries in both the tech and creative sectors.