window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-F58PS3FRP8');
The Speakeasy

what success looks like to us

BY THE NUMBERS
  • 934

    via member & alumni companies

    Jobs Created
  • $70M

    via member & alumni companies

    in capital raised
  • $1.2M

    via member & alumni companies

    Combined Revenue Per Year

The Speakeasy is a community, an entrepreneur support organization, and a gathering place. Our purpose is to enable aspiring entrepreneurs in Central Indiana to explore, innovate, and launch new businesses that support our local community and regional economy. We build community and lower barriers to entrepreneurship by creating a shared economy of supportive connections and affordable workspace. We collaborate with partners to provide learning and networking opportunities. We believe ideas are worth investing in. We believe hope is actionable. We believe entrepreneurship is the frontline for equity in the next economy.

Staff & Board of Directors
  • Chelsea Marburger | Executive Director

    Chelsea brings a decade of nonprofit leadership experience to the Speakeasy community. Most recently, Chelsea served as the Senior Manager of Entrepreneurial Programming at Elevate Ventures, a nonprofit venture capital firm. Prior to her time at Elevate Ventures, Chelsea served as Executive Director of the Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood Association (MKNA), a community membership organization which serves residential and commercial constituents from 38th Street to Kessler Boulevard and Meridian Street to the Monon. Her unique combination of nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurial experience, and community building expertise is an huge asset. She cares deeply about the Speakeasy community and our mission to lower the barriers to entrepreneurship for all. Since our founding over a decade ago, we have been fortunate to have a number of extraordinary civic leaders steward our organization — Chelsea continues this tradition.

  • Cary Schlitt | Community Manager

    With her highly technical professional background, Cary joined The Speakeasy to work more closely and directly with people. As a former project manager at Kohl’s and Wunderkind, Cary excels in effective communication and project completion while also providing technical insights to improve our various systems and tools. As a serial “hostess of the mostess,” Cary strives to creatively engage Speakeasy members through thoughtful, relevant programming. In addition to supporting the Speakeasy member community, Cary also coordinates all private events including fundraisers, weddings, mixers, etc. Her innate hospitality creates a welcoming, safe environment for all who enter.

  • Joe Duran | Board Chair

    Joe is Vice President of Investments at E&A Companies, an Indianapolis-based holding company. Joe focuses on managing the existing portfolio and evaluating new investment opportunities across venture capital, private equity, and public markets.

    Prior to joining E&A, Joe was a Vice President at J.P. Morgan Private Bank and an Investment Advisor at Goldman Sachs. Joe previously served as the COO and CFO of Moneythink, a national financial education nonprofit. Prior to Moneythink, Joe spent time at Target Corporation in Minneapolis and as a Special Education Teacher with Teach For America in the South Bronx.

    Joe holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, an MS in Childhood Special Education from Fordham University, and a BBA from Miami University of Ohio.

  • Meg Hovious | Board Secretary

    Meg Hovious is the Founder of Here, a mental health consultancy committed to changing minds about mental health. Here is a unique collective of behavioral experts, organizational designers, and mental health advocates making an impact at work by increasing mental health literacy and advocating for better working conditions for all.

    Meg has previously served as Chief People Officer on Pete Buttigieg’s presidential primary campaign and as an advisor for Senator Mark Kelly’s reelection campaign in Arizona.

    Meg is a longtime member of The Speakeasy and can be found facilitating the occasional meditation, bursting out in the best belly laughs, and listening intently for ways that she can support her fellow coworkers & community.

  • Neenah Jain | Board Treasurer

    Neenah Jain is Partner & CFO at Armory Square Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in Seed and Series A, B2B software and marketplace companies located in the Northeast and Midwest.

    As one of our newest board members, Neenah is looking forward to being a part of The Speakeasy because it gives her the opportunity to give back to the community that she lives in and hopefully be a sounding board for entrepreneurs. Neenah’s years of CFO experience as well as experience within venture backed startups AND as a venture investor make her an invaluable asset to Speakeasy members!