This is a guest post by my dear friend, colleague, business partner, startup whisperer, technologist and a lifelong learner, Christian Renaud. For those new to or disconnected from the Des Moines startup ecosystem, Christian is easily the OG startup whisperer who convened a large number of individuals, inspired people like me to #givefirst to this community, conceived of and brought together what was once described as the ultimate ‘island of misfit toys.’