The Venture Center promotes Daniel Schutte

The Venture Center has promoted Daniel Schutte to managing director, Accelerators Programs. Schutte, formerly The Venture Center’s program manager for Fintech Accelerators, will spearhead strategy, business development, and operations in his new role for the non-profit.

The Venture Center’s accelerators include the Fidelity Information Services (FIS) FIS Fintech Accelerator and the Independent Community Bankers of America’s (ICBA) ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator, both of which are globally recognized programs drawing hundreds of applicants from around the world every year.

“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,” Venture Center executive director Wayne Miller said.

In his previous role, Schutte successfully facilitated the financial growth and development of global start-up companies sponsored by FIS and the ICBA through 12-week boot camp accelerators. Schutte is a transplant to Little Rock and originally hails from Evansville, Indiana. Schutte is himself an entrepreneur and was the COO of a commercial printing operation for over a decade before founding his first companies.

“It’s an honor to be in this role, and through it, I hope to drive greater opportunities for entrepreneurs in Arkansas and beyond,” said Schutte. “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 is currently directing wrap-up operations for the second ICBA ThinKTECH Accelerator program and will facilitate the upcoming ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator Virtual Demo Day on April 8. To learn more about The Venture Center’s fintech accelerators or to register to watch the ICBA ThinkTECH Demo Day, visit venturecenter.co.