10 Most Viewed Stories of 2017

2017 was full of exciting topics to write about, as proved by our Biggest Tech Trends and Announcements of 2017 list. This year, we published 245 stories written by us and the community of techies, entrepreneurs, marketers, CEOs, venture capitalists, and more.

Of all the stories we shared, which ones got the most attention? Below is a list of TechPoint’s top 10 most viewed stories in 2017.

1. Data scientist Mark Clerkin’s journey, gamble and dream

Ten years ago, I left Indianapolis in pursuit of a dream to join the most cutting-edge team I could possibly find. That search led me to Chicago, London, and back again. Along the way I worked with brilliant people, implemented cutting-edge technologies, and had some tremendous success. The journey has now brought me and my family back to Indianapolis where I plan to utilize all I have learned in order to create a world-class data science team at High Alpha. READ MORE

2. 21 Indiana tech companies make Inc 5000’s fastest-growing list

Every year, Inc. magazine ranks “America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies” and this year 21 tech companies based in Indiana made the Inc. 5000 list. Thirteen of the 21 companies are past TechPoint Mira Award nominees and winners, including three top honorees from 2017. READ MORE

3. Women’s groups inside tech companies provide a support system

While men might outnumber women in the technology field, there is no lack of support for women in technology in Indianapolis. In fact, as a show of support and encouragement, many women’s groups have been created in internal organizations to support the efforts and contributions of women in technology.

In Indianapolis alone, we’ve identified a variety of different groups operating within technology companies, ranging from startups to enterprise businesses, through social outreach and other networks. READ MORE

4. Virtusa stakes its claim as the leader in innovation-as-a-service

The importance of innovating rapidly to stay ahead of the competition and avoid being left behind is paramount, but not everyone has adequate access to innovation. This is where the digital engineering firm, Virtusa, sees itself in the scheme of things, especially as its innovation-as-a-service offering gains notoriety among the Fortune 500 and other customers small and large across varying industries. READ MORE

5. Tech companies make Indiana Chamber best places to work list

27 tech companies made the annual list along with several TechPoint partners and Mira Awards winners and nominees, such as mAccounting and Katz Sapper & Miller. Of the companies that made the list, three are Indy Tech Fellowship host companies: Pondurance, Software Engineering Professionals (SEP) and PAN Performance Assessment Network. READ MORE

6. Next level Fund a big legislative victory for tech

As Jared Council points out in his IBJ.com story — Tech leaders say they’re pleased with Legislative session — the tech community in Indiana just scored a BIG victory by getting the Next Level Indiana Fund included in the state’s budget with the help and support of Governor Holcomb and many supportive legislators. READ MORE

7. Indiana tech founders on why tech companies thrive in the Midwest

We asked a few Indiana tech entrepreneurs about why they chose to launch their business in Indiana. While each answer is unique, themes such as access to top talent, sustainable growth and interest from investors are a few reasons why they’re proud to call themselves Hoosiers. READ MORE

8. ‘Ladies in SaaS’ gains momentum in Indianapolis

Building and sustaining a professional network is challenging, but it’s twice as hard when the kind of group you’re looking for simply doesn’t exist. That’s how Kristen Hamerstadt and Robyn Miley ended up starting Ladies in SaaS, a casual, community networking group for professional women in tech and software-as-a-service. READ MORE

9. Doug Ding couldn’t pass up Indy’s special vibe and energy

“There is a special vibe and energy In Indianapolis, especially downtown and especially in the growing tech community,” Doug said. “Moving to Indianapolis is one of the best decisions my wife and I have ever made.” READ MORE

10. Welcome back Abby Dorsett

After graduating in 2010 from Butler University, Abby Dorsett —originally a Terre Haute native ― left Indianapolis to start her career in Chicago, Illinois. Flourishing in jobs at Groupon, Locallife, and LinkedIn, Abby loved the Windy City, but she always knew that she would come back to Indianapolis one day. READ MORE

What were the biggest tech trends and announcements in 2017? See our list here.