Building a Resilient Startup Community: Lessons from 80 Acres and Beyond

Entrepreneur, Mike Zelkind, left a successful career as a food industry executive to launch what would become one of Cincinnati’s first unicorns, 80 Acres Farms. In one of his first public appearances since 80 Acres ceased operations, CEO and co-founder Mike Zelkind will tell the inside story of an extraordinary entrepreneurial journey from launching the startup with co-founder, Tisha Livingston, at Queen City Club to building a Cincinnati unicorn that became a global leader during the explosive rise of vertical farming, to ultimately confronting the decision every founder hopes never to face. He will also discuss lessons learned and his thoughts on how Cincinnati can continue to build a resilient place for startups to grow and scale.

The next Distinguished Speaker Series event is December 3rd with Former Ohio Governor Bob Taft. Click here to register.

Explore Membership Levels

World Leaders – $350

• Admission to Distinguished Speaker Series
• Weekly email newsletter
• Members-first opportunities to host leaders from around the world
• Free or discounted admission to public events with world affairs experts
• Discounts on subscriptions to World Politics Review, Foreign Affairs, and Project Syndicate
• Access to Travel the World lifelong learning tours
• Invitation to Global Ties U.S. National Conference and World Affairs Council of America National Conference
• Recognition in the Annual Report
• One VIP invitation

Ambassadors – $500

• All benefits of World Leaders level membership PLUS
• Invitation to VIP Events
• Private receptions with foreign dignitaries
• All events included for the year