I first met John Wechsler in 2012, shortly after starting this local Fishers news blog. He and then-Town Manager Scott Fadness had fashioned a proposal put before the Town Council to start a co-working space operation named Launch Fishers.
It’s first location was the lower level of the Hamilton East Library in downtown Fishers. Launch later moved into larger quarters just off Technology Drive and the library transformed that space into the current Ignite studios.
John Wechsler remained the leader of Launch Fishers since its inception in 2012. Today, John is no longer the day-to-day leader of Launch Fishers, but remains on its board of directors and is a supporter of the operation.
John has moved to his next challenge, a new tech startup business called spokenote. As it was explained to me, spokenote can add a video component to almost anything. One example I was given was sending someone flowers. With spokenote, you can add a video message by scanning with your cell phone.
Business must be good for spokenote because it is announcing a major expansion in Fishers. The firm says it is creating up to 300 new positions in what the company describes as high-wage jobs, by the end of 2026.
“Indiana continues to position itself as a leader in entrepreneurship and in tech innovation, making us the perfect place for spokenote to launch and grow,” said Governor Eric J. Holcomb in an Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) news release. “I couldn’t be more grateful for them choosing Indiana among a world of options and for the hundreds of high-tech, high-wage jobs they will create for Hoosiers in central Indiana.”
spokenote plans to invest $2.95 million to establish and grow its headquarters in the Certified Technology Park in Fishers, the same office park that houses Launch Fishers. spokenote will locate in and equip a 4,000-square-foot office in the Techway building, which is currently being redeveloped, and plans to invest in new hardware and equipment to support its growing team. The company plans to move from its current location in the Indiana IoT Lab to its new headquarters in fourth quarter 2022.
“We are very excited about our prospects for growth, and having the support from our state and local government makes a real impact in our expansion plans,” said John Wechsler in th same state news release. “Between the thriving innovation ecosystem in Fishers, and the financial incentives from the state, we’re confident in our ability to generate new jobs and create economic value in Indiana.”
The IEDC is providing incentives for spokenote, including the Venture Capital Investment (VCI) tax credit, and up to $165,000 in training grants. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once local people are hired and trained. The city of Fishers offered additional training grants to support the company.
“John Wechsler and his spokenote team have built an incredible product platform as they join the growing list of companies that have graduated from Launch Fishers,” said Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness. “As spokenote creates connections around the world, we can all be proud of the fact that it all began here in Fishers.”
One editor’s note – spokenote wants its company name to be written in all small letters, which is why I have not capitalized any letters in the firm’s name, even when used as the first word in a sentence.