FAQ

What is the innovation dashboard?

The Iowa Innovation Dashboard is a comprehensive indicator of entrepreneurial activity in the state of Iowa, compiling several key metrics of entrepreneurial information into one dashboard to capture the pulse of Iowa's entrepreneurial and startup climate.

What data points will you be tracking?

The dashboard will track several different metrics including startup growth, external funding, the success of accelerator programs, patents filed, team diversity, perceptions of Iowa's startup community, and more. We will update the dashboard annually, with plans to add new metrics in future years.

WHAT IS the Iowa Founder survey?

The Iowa Founder Survey is an in-depth survey of Iowa's startup founders to shed light on the state of startups throughout Iowa. The survey will dive into questions on the fundraising climate, working environment, future outlook, and the challenges of operating a startup.

How long is the survey open?

The survey will open on Tuesday, Jan. 4 and will close on Friday, Feb. 18.

Can anyone take the Iowa Founder survey?

The survey is designed to only be taken by founders of companies that are based in Iowa.

HOW ARE you defining startup?

For the purposes of this project, we are defining a startup as an organization that has formed to develop a new, unique product or service and bring it to market. A startup company is typically creating its own business model and is aiming for high, scalable growth.

Are my survey responses anonymous and secure?

Yes. All information given in the survey will remain strictly confidential and all data will only be analyzed and reported in aggregate.

WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?

We believe that tracking these metrics is important for capturing the vibrancy and evolution of Iowa's entrepreneurial ecosystem, and will help drive discussion on improving the overall amount of entrepreneurial activity in the state.