Member News

First National Bank has announced a major sponsorship of the Rocky
Mountain Innosphere, a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation, to expand their capacity to make a positive
economic impact in our region. The Innosphere provides support for more than 30 start-up
companies with close to 200 employees. First National Bank president, Mark Driscoll, informed the
Innosphere of their investment totaling $150,000 over three years.
First National Bank’s investment will be used by the Innosphere to continue to grow its capability to
support high quality start-ups in our region. This support is critical to the Innosphere’s success and
allows the organization to diversify its revenue stream from its key funding partners including the
City of Fort Collins, the City of Loveland, Colorado State University, and Colorado State University
Ventures. This new resource will allow Innosphere to pursue its most significant 2012 objective of
improving access to capital for the entrepreneurs and founders of the technology ventures in the
program.
“First National is excited to assist the Innosphere in its mission of incubating more than 50 new
start-up companies and attracting millions of dollars of new investment into our community in the
coming three to five years,” said Driscoll.
“Innosphere is fortunate to have the support of our long-standing funding partners and we welcome
First National as a new financial supporter,” said Mark Wdowik, President and CEO of CSU’s
Management Corporation and Chair of the Innosphere Board. “We look forward to securing
additional major community sponsors this year. Through their investment, First National has
validated the important role that Innosphere is playing in our regional economy.”
320 East Vine Drive Suite 101, Fort Collins, CO 80524
First National Bank is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska. First National of Nebraska has
grown into the largest privately owned banking company in the United States. First National and its
affiliates have $17 billion in managed assets and nearly 5,000 employee associates. Primary banking
offices are located in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Texas.
Rocky Mountain Innosphere was formed to accelerate the success of high-impact scientific and
technology startup companies and promote the development of a regional entrepreneurial ecosystem
in Northern Colorado. Innosphere provides entrepreneurial startup companies with resources such
as assistance with raising capital, access and connections with academic and government
institutions, a network of advisors and mentors including several who are in residence, discounted
professional service providers and educational and networking opportunities for realizing business
success.
For more information contact Mike Freeman, CEO, Rocky Mountain Innosphere (970) 817-4791.