FEDC Creates Unique Partnership to Further Attract Venture Capitalists

FRISCO, TEXAS (Feb. 18, 2025) – The Frisco Economic Development Corporation (FEDC) announced the first ever Venture Capitalist in-Residence (VCiR) in the region. The VCiR program is a part of the FEDC’s four-pillar innovation strategy and will help connect a broader network of investors to Frisco and expand the city’s footprint as a hub for linking high value tech startups with funding sources.

Jon Nordby was selected as the 2025 Frisco VCiR. Nordby is a startup and investment industry expert and the managing partner for Anthropy Partners, an early-stage venture capital firm. The Frisco VCiR is a pilot program that will focus on building partnerships, representing Frisco at investor events, engaging new venture capital firms and corporate venture capital funds, curating investment opportunities for investors, and supporting the local corporate innovation ecosystem while advancing Frisco’s overall venture capital strategy.

“The Frisco City Council set the visionary goal for Frisco to be the capital of venture capital in the central United States by 2040,” said Jeremiah Anderson, Director of Innovation for the FEDC. “Frisco has seen great success during the past four years with exits for more than 35 startups and nearly 100 new investments in startups. Even with this tremendous success, we are just scratching the surface. With Jon’s vast experience and our vibrant local ecosystem, Frisco is ready to make waves in the world of venture capital investors and tech startups.”

Frisco is a fast-growing innovation community with more than 400 startups and 13 corporate innovation and research development centers. Other cities and states have launched programs to attract investors, but no other city or state has publicly declared the goal of becoming a venture capital hub and dedicated resources to the effort.

"Frisco represents a rare convergence of resources, talent, and access which creates the perfect environment to redefine investing in the central United States,” said Jon Nordby, Frisco’s new VCiR. “I am inspired by Frisco's unique access to capital, industry collaboration, and problem-solving culture. Together, we will unlock the region's differentiated assets, streamline capital flow, and build a thriving hub for innovation and commercialization. This is an extraordinary opportunity to position Frisco as a global leader in venture capital and innovation, and I am honored to be selected as Frisco’s first Venture Capitalist in-Residence."

Nordby is the founder of EconWerx and non-profit Anthropy Constructive, both of which partner with governments, universities, economic development organizations and corporations to build unique and differentiated innovation ecosystems. He previously worked for the Greater Houston Partnership where he oversaw the creation and spin out of Houston Exponential and the HX Venture Fund, a corporate Fund of Funds. Nordby teaches at the University of Houston’s Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship, the highest ranked undergrad entrepreneurship program in the country.

About the Frisco EDC
The Frisco EDC operates as a Texas non-profit corporation and is governed by a seven-member board of directors appointed by the Frisco, Texas City Council. Job number one is facilitating the creation of jobs, as the Frisco EDC’s mission is to improve the economic opportunities and quality of life for all Frisco residents. The Frisco EDC has facilitated major economic development projects, resulting in hundreds of projects and thousands of jobs in the City of Frisco. For more information, visit FriscoEDC.com.