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ON THE MOVE Eight years ago, CI received an infusion of capital from the state, enabling it to offer even more support to startups. The organization's leadership launched an Executive-in-Residence Program, which provides entrepreneurs with help from highly experienced business leaders in Connecticut. It also launched VentureClash, a $5 million global pitch competition attracting promising high-tech startups from around the world. "CT is developing its long-held strengths in industry 4.0/advanced manufacturing, insurtech, fintech and digital health. In our increasingly global economy, we seek to find the best companies from across the planet, to complement our locally grown startups, so the large corporate partners and their employees can be confident they are operating in a robust tech center right here in Connecticut," Matthew McCooe, chief executive officer, said. As for the future, CI will continue to make a strong play for healthcare and bioscience, as well as a few other targeted industries. "Insurtech is picking up in a major way—there's a growing number of incubators in Hartford—and there are exciting things happening in additive manufacturing. And of course the Internet of Things continues to infiltrate manufacturing, enabled by software and communications," Wurzer said. CI is planning a move in early 2020—several, in fact. The company is relocating its main operations to the District in New Haven and opening a satellite office in Hartford's Colt Building. The move will enable CI's venture team to be nearer to the state's startup communities; the team will split their time between Hartford, New Haven and Stamford. CI intends to expand its portfolio by another 100 companies over the next five years (to 300) and will rely even more on outside experts and companies from around the state to support their growth. "Our partnerships, with individual business leaders and companies, are often the critical ingredient for helping our innovative startups grow to become the next Sikorsky, Datto, Travelers or BioHaven," McCooe said. Learn more at ctinnovations.com. Entering its fourth year, VentureClash, Connecticut's $5 million global venture challenge managed by Connecticut Innovations, is at it again with a focus on early-stage digital health, fintech, insurtech and industry 4.0 companies. VentureClash has teamed up with Connecticut corporate giants like Stanley Black & Decker, Unilever, Travelers and others to scan the globe for promising early-stage companies. Finalists will face off on Thursday, October 17, 2019, at Yale University. Learn more at www.ventureclash.com. SPONSORED CONTENT 2019 | DOING BUSINESS IN CONNECTICUT | 61