From CyBIZ Lab to Venture Capital: Catching up with Micah Walker

Micah Walker has always had an entrepreneurial mindset. From an early fascination with footwear to launching his own business through the Iowa State University Pappajohn Center’s CYstarters program, he knew he wanted to create something of his own. But it was his experience at CyBIZ Lab that ultimately shaped his path, equipping him with the skills and confidence to step into the world of venture capital.

A two-time Iowa State University graduate, Micah earned his bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship with a minor in Apparel Merchandising and Design before immediately pursuing a Master’s in Entrepreneurship, graduating in May 2024. Throughout his time at ISU, he was very involved in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, participating in pitch competitions, accelerator programs, and eventually, CyBIZ Lab.

Micah saw CyBIZ Lab as an opportunity to experience entrepreneurship from a new perspective—working behind the scenes to help founders solve real-world business challenges. Starting as a business analyst and working his way up to becoming one of the program’s first Managing Project Advisors, he tackled complex problems, refined his research and reporting skills, and developed a strategic mindset that would later set him apart in the venture capital world.

One of his most impactful projects was working with Center at Sixth, a nonprofit incubator supporting Black- and Brown-owned businesses. As part of the project, Micah conducted extensive research on startup incubators and interviewed industry experts—including Kaylee Williams, Investment Director at InnoVenture Iowa. That interview would unknowingly shape his future.

After graduating, Kaylee offered Micah a fellow position at InnoVenture Iowa which transitioned into a full-time role as an Investment Analyst for the company. Now, he’s the “front door” of InnoVenture, meeting with founders, vetting companies, and guiding startups through the investment process. The consulting and reporting skills he honed at CyBIZ Lab directly translate to his current role. “Just this week, I had to write two memos for investments we’re trying to pass, and they looked exactly like the final reports I wrote in CyBIZ Lab,” Micah reflects. “That experience gave me a huge advantage and prepared me extremely well for what I’m doing day to day.”

Micah presented at the Elite Founder Showcase on night one of the Innoventure Challenge event.

Working on a small team of three, he’s involved in every step of the investment process, from initial pitch meetings to deal structuring. He thrives in the fast-paced environment, balancing the demands of venture capital with his passion for supporting innovative founders. “I’m busy, and I like that. I’m learning that it’s a lot easier to do the work when you love what you do!”

Looking back, Micah credits CyBIZ Lab for providing resume-building experiences with real clients that set him apart. “The level of hands-on learning CyBIZ Lab offers is something very few universities provide. It puts you ahead of other candidates when you get into the job market, and if you get the opportunity to be part of CyBIZ Lab, you shouldn’t turn it down.”

Now living in downtown Des Moines, just a short walk from the InnoVenture office, Micah is exactly where he wants to be—helping the next generation of entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life.