Area Development
spokenote, a technology startup, plans to establish its headquarters at Certified Technology Park in Fishers, Indiana. The $2.95 million project is expected to create 300 jobs by the end of 2026.

The company will equip a 4,000-square-foot office in the Techway building, which is currently being redeveloped, and will invest in new hardware and equipment. Spokenote plans to move from its current location in the Indiana IoT Lab in the fourth quarter 2022.

“We are very excited about our prospects for growth, and having the support from our state and local government makes a real impact in our expansion plans,” said John Wechsler, founder and CEO of spokenote. “Between the thriving innovation ecosystem in Fishers, and the financial incentives from the state, we’re confident in our ability to generate new jobs and create economic value in Indiana.”

Based on the company's job creation plans, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation committed an investment in spokenote of up to $7 million in the form of incentive-based tax credits and up to $165,000 in training grants. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired and trained. The city of Fishers offered additional training grants to support the company.

“Indiana continues to position itself as a leader in entrepreneurship and in tech innovation, making us the perfect place for spokenote to launch and grow,” noted Governor Eric J. Holcomb. “I couldn’t be more grateful for them choosing Indiana among a world of options and for the hundreds of high-tech, high-wage jobs they will create for Hoosiers in central Indiana.”

The company, which recently completed its initial funding round, has also utilized the state's Venture Capital Investment (VCI) tax credit, which helps entrepreneurs and startups attract capital more quickly by giving investors an additional incentive to invest in early-stage, growing Indiana companies.

"As a state, we are focused on advancing future-focused industries by investing in innovative, high-growth companies like spokenote," added Indiana Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers. "Indiana was named one of the top global emerging destinations for startups, and our robust network of entrepreneurs and innovative companies like spokenote will continue to elevate our reputation as a leader in the tech sector."

spokenote develops technology that improves how people communicate, providing tools for human expression and communication via digital media. The company's initial product, spokenote™ stickers, connect users to the company's video creation and sharing platform.