Roughly two dozen investors, founders, and economic development and nonprofit leaders came together to launch a new coalition dedicated to advancing Arizona’s startup ecosystem. The Arizona Venture Alliance (AVA) will work to promote Arizona’s startup and investor ecosystem, exponentially increase funding for Arizona startups, and grow deal flow for investors both inside and outside Arizona.
At a charter signing event held at the Arizona Commerce Authority, founding members of the AVA expressed their commitment to making Arizona the No. 1 state in the nation for startups and investors.
“Over many years and with the support of countless individuals, Arizona’s startup ecosystem has grown exponentially. Today represents the critical next step in our work to support startups and small business owners,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “The Arizona Venture Alliance builds on efforts over the last 18 months to integrate and scale strategic efforts across our ecosystem and develop overarching goals for advancement. We’re thankful to all our amazing partners and are excited for the important work ahead.”
The Arizona Venture Alliance will work to expand access to investor networks for Arizona startups and amplify and promote individual and partner events.
The strategic goals of the AVA within the next three years include:
- Supporting five unicorns (Arizona startups valuated at $1 billion)
- Relocating over 50 startups to Arizona
- Catalyzing at least $500 million in private investment to Arizona startups
“The Arizona Venture Alliance is an essential mechanism for accelerating the alignment and growth of Arizona’s values-based economy across many industries. Great companies are starting and scaling here, in large part because Arizona has exceptional technical talent and is a wonderful place to raise a family and craft enduring friendships for life,” said Don Fotsch, Founder, Arizona Nerd Network and AVA Founding Member.
“We look forward to leveraging the strength of our collaboration in the AVA and all its partners to help grow and diversify Arizona’s startup ecosystem,” said Justin Bayless, Managing Principal, Ten Figures and AVA Founding Member.
“The Arizona Venture Alliance builds on years of collaborative, strategic efforts to integrate and scale the incredible work taking place in our ecosystem statewide. Startup Tucson is honored to be a part of such a dynamic group of partners, working to take Arizona’s ecosystem to the next level for all types of entrepreneurs,” said Liz Pocock, CEO, Startup Tucson and AVA Founding Member.
Pictured: Founding members of the Arizona Venture Alliance at the charter signing event held on December 16, 2024.
