Downtown Launchpad is a 17,000-square-foot innovation hub that opened fall 2020 in the Amegy Bank Houston building on Main. Resident partners include startup accelerators MassChallenge and gener8tor, as well as incubator Impact Hub Houston.

On this episode of Small Biz Insider, Robert Pieroni, director of economic development for Central Houston, tells us how the Launchpad supports entrepreneurs and the greater Houston startup ecosystem.

Key takeaways from this episode: 

• How Houston's unsuccessful bid for Amazon's second headquarters, HQ2, was a turning point for the city's innovation ecosystem
• The importance of having a physical location where entrepreneurs can meet in person
• What the Launchpad wants mentors to bring to the table
• How Houston will rival any innovation hub in the world in five years

The Small Biz Insider digital series highlights innovative business owners, entrepreneurs and leaders of the greater Houston area who are making a big impact in the small business community. Check out all videos and podcast episodes from this series.