The Venture Center has named a new managing director for its accelerator programs. The Little Rock-based entrepreneurial support organization has promoted Daniel Schutte, who was the fintech accelerator program manager, to the role.
As the managing director for accelerator programs, Schutte will oversee strategy, business development and operations for The Venture Center’s accelerator programs. These programs include the FIS Fintech Accelerator and the ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator.
Schutte is taking over the role from Brian Bauer, who has taken a role at Abaca, a cannabis financial technology firm, as its chief strategy and revenue officer.
While serving as the fintech accelerator program manager, the Evansville, Ill. native has worked to facilitate the growth of fintech startups and early-stage companies that have participated in The Venture Center’s accelerators.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Daniel for the past several years and have seen firsthand his dedication to our clients, our entrepreneurs and our community. I know I join our board of directors and others who are confident and thrilled to have Daniel in this leadership role that he’s earned through years of his demonstrated dedication,” The Venture Center executive director Wayne Miller said in a statement.
“It’s an honor to be in this role, and through it, I hope to drive greater opportunities for entrepreneurs in Arkansas and beyond,” Schutte said. “While working to shape and grow our fintech accelerators, I learned a great deal about what creates the most successful programs. I’m excited to keep finding new ways to scale those success drivers, and grow our capacity to create sustainable economic change.”
Schutte will be overseeing the final stages of the ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator 2.0 and the upcoming Virtual Demo Day for the program in April.
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