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Kimberly Gramm embraces opportunities to shape the next generation of entrepreneurs in New Orleans. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save This article is brought to you by Hancock Whitney. Some of Kimberly Gramm’s fondest childhood memories are of helping her father launch his own business in the family’s garage at their home just outside of Tampa, Fla.
A trained engineer who loved the outdoors, he started a company that built and sold fishing lures to customers across the country. Gramm was by his side, helping paint the lures and watching her father turn a hobby into a thriving business. “I saw him bring his passions together.
Over the course of a decade, we got to see his company grow so much,” Gramm recalled. “It was so fun to see that trajectory of growth and development and how things became more sophisticated. He was a really smart guy and I feel so fortunate that I learned a lot from him.
” Gramm’s mother, a nurse, was also influential in teaching her the importance of caring about others and doing work that you love. Today, Gramm continues to rely on the lessons from both of her parents in her role as the David and Marion Mussafer Chief Innovation and Entrepreneurship Officer at the Tulane University Innovation Institute. “Every day is a new day with new ideas,” she said.
“We’re always working with new groups of people to develop them and mentor them. It’s exciting to work with them to raise their first round of capital, see them test their products and have them work the way they want them to. I feel like I have the best job in the world.
” Although the Innovation Institute works with entrepreneurs in all sectors, Gramm said there has been an increased focus on healthcare, energy and artificial intelligence. “New Orleans is really dynamic and vibrant and has a strong community focus. One of the things I enjoy the most is how much people have embraced the work we are doing related to entrepreneurship,” Gramm said.
“People here are really excited about developing and supporting more founders. That collaboration has been really critical in us thinking big. If we want New Orleans to be the next hotspot for start-ups, we need the community to come together and think strategically about the support our founders need.
” Much of Gramm’s career has taken place in higher education environments. Prior to arriving at Tulane two years ago, Gramm founded two university accelerators, FAU Tech Runway and Texas Tech University Accelerator, as well as the Texas Tech Research Park, Inc. She also served as associate vice president of innovation and entrepreneurship at Texas Tech University most recently before accepting the position at Tulane.
Gramm said that her work with college students and faculty members continues to be inspiring and stimulating. “I really enjoy working with smart students who have great ideas and researchers who are trying to solve problems,” she said. “We have students who not only want to get a job, but who want to create jobs.
Our researchers want to have a positive impact on the world we live in, both now and in the future. We get to provide all of them with resources, education and mentoring that makes them feel confident. I love to see them have their ‘aha’ moments every time they learn something new or overcome an obstacle.
” Gramm said she encourages all entrepreneurs, but especially female founders, to focus on developing products that people will actually want to use, find and work with a role model who emulates the type of person you want to be in the future, and become involved in entrepreneurship programs, networking groups and other organizations. “One of the lessons I have learned is that no one can take the things you have learned and accomplished away from you,” she said. “When you have a chance to think about your vision for your life, it requires learning and education.
That may mean being mentored, participating in programs in a structured way or a combination. Being a lifelong learner is so important as you move along your trajectory, and that knowledge will stay with you no matter where you go.” The Tulane University Innovation Institute provides funding, academic resources and engagement to ensure new companies and technologies can launch, grow, remain and thrive as they improve lives in New Orleans and beyond.
Its resources include proof of concept, pre-seed start-up investment funds and due diligence, development and commercialization support from industry experts. Visit innovation.tulane.
edu to learn more. The “She Is” campaign is a partnership between Hancock Whitney and Georges Media Group to curate and share stories about women who are thriving – what motivates them, how they motivate others and how women can continue to drive impact. Visit www.
hancockwhitney.com/she-is for more details on Hancock Whitney’s ongoing work with female leaders and to share your own favorite “She Is” story. Hancock Whitney Bank, Member FDIC.
