For generations, the Midwest built the products, industries, and institutions that powered America. Now we're racing to build what comes next: AI companies, advanced manufacturing ventures, health innovations, and more, all with new models of work and ownership. Across the region, founders are launching companies that are going to revolutionize how we manufacture, move, heal, learn, and live. What will this new Midwest look like? How can everyone contribute? How can more people benefit? Can Midwest cities collaborate instead of compete for the same talent and capital?
Featuring:
Brian Brackeen, Managing Partner, Lightship Anchor Fund
Shannon McGhee, CEO, SEED SPOT
Ted Velie, CEO, Midwest House, and Co-Founder, Start Midwest
Your host is Wolf Starr, Founder and CEO, Venture Atlas.
This forum was sponsored by 614 Tech Week. CMC's forum partner was Midwest House.
The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream is The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner is The Columbus Dispatch. This forum is also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The Idea Foundry.
CMC's theme music was composed by Jeffrey Ciampa.
If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "Midwest Futures" by Phil Christman (2020).
This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Idea Foundry in Columbus, Ohio on July 29, 2026.
