Innovation Factory
University Center
Suite 250
Missoula, MT 59812
innovationfactory@umontana.edu
About Us
The Blackstone LaunchPad powered by Techstars at the University of Montana, is a co-curricular, experiential, campus program designed to introduce entrepreneurship as a viable career path and develop entrepreneurial skills and mindsets through individualized coaching, ideation and venture creation support. Influenced by the enterprising heritage of Blackstone and its founders, the Blackstone Charitable Foundation is directing the firm's resources and intellectual capital to support entrepreneurship nationwide and globally.
Mission:
The Blackstone LaunchPad powered by Techstars at the University of Montana, is a co-curricular, experiential, campus program designed to introduce entrepreneurship as a viable career path and develop entrepreneurial skills and mindsets.
Vision:
To secure an entrepreneurial culture within the Montana University System community.
Core Values:
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Inspire pursuits of passion.
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Empower experiential entrepreneurship.
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Catalyze innovative, collaborative community.
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Encourage diverse participation.
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Commit to long-term impact.
STAFF
Paul Gladen
Director, Blackstone LaunchPad at the University of Montana
Morgan Slemberger
Associate Director
Molly Putnam
- Student Director
Oversees and supports Blackstone Launchpad student staff by managing progress, pushing initiatives, and facilitating day-to-day operations.
Jacob Treece
- Office Manager
Oversees office and employee operations as well as the coordination of events facilitated by the LaunchPad.
Claire Bradley - Venture Coaching Coordinator
Manages the student venture coaching team, and works with campus and community members to aid in idea development and to offer entrepreneurial resources.
Matthew Dody - Venture Coach
Guiding student, staff and alumni as they look into building their entrepreneurial vision. From working in customer discovery and idea validation to preparing for elevator pitches, the launchpad consultants look to make entrepreneurship a viable career path for those associated with the University.
Colton Browder - Venture Coach
My name is Colton Browder, I am a venture coach intern at the Blackstone Launchpad/Accelerate Montana! I love Blackstone Launchpad/Accelerate Montana because it has given me a great opportunity to work with real-world people achieve their business goal, all while gaining some great experience! I am an MIS major, and I hope to get into consulting in the near future. A fun fact about me is that I love meeting new people and making new friends as much as I can!
Reed Miller - Venture Coach
I am a venture coach intern majoring in Economics with a minor in Non-Profit Administration. At Accelerate MT, I have really enjoyed meeting and getting to know the engaged, driven, and curious people that the entrepreneurship world attracts. Career-wise, my most recent aspiration has been to work with people in developing rural economies to gain the resources they need to live sustainable, prosperous lives. A fun fact about me is that I am an avid trail runner.
Michelle Miller - Marketing Manager
Tells the stories of entrepreneurs on campus and in the community who have used Accelerate Montana services in post production of social medias.
Shuhan He - Web Manager
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Works with the Marketing Coordinator and Graphic Designer to implement BLP-UM and Accelerate Montana's brands across relevant websites and blogs. Oversees the functionality of the organization's website, evaluates and manages performance, as well as develops, maintains, and updates website content.
Simon Rooney - Graphic Designer & Media Artist
Works primarily with the marketing team in creating graphics and material to use for BLP events and much more!
Talia Nicholls - Staff Writer
I write, proofread and edit communication pieces for AMRII, Pursue Your Passions, and the Blackstone LaunchPad.
