Innovate Mississippi’s investment director, Lindsey Benefield has written a piece for #WEBuildInSE, an online collaborative guide showcasing entrepreneurship in the Southeastern United States. In her article, Lindsey promotes Oxford, Miss., known for its charming town square and literary history—and now for making waves as a center of gravity for startups.
The University of Mississippi’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) has fueled this growth, helping establish over 65 student ventures and awarding hundreds of thousands of dollars in startup funding. Collaborations like the Oxford-Lafayette Economic Development Foundation’s partnership with CIE—and their work with Innovate Mississippi on the CoBuilders Accelerator—create fertile ground for early-stage companies to thrive.
Indeed, Oxford has served as the home base for a couple of nine-figure exits in recent memory, including the sales of FNC in 2012 and Next Gear Solutions in 2021, both to Corelogic, Inc. Oxford is also home to MTrade, a later-stage VC-funded high-growth company. All that entrepreneurial firepower means considerable networking, mentorship and investor resources in the Oxford ecosystem.
Lindsey also name-checks promising startup ventures like Rumie App, a secure marketplace for college students; Shovel Solutions, a platform revolutionizing the construction industry; and Automatic Labs, which enhances athletic training with advanced AI technology. She mentions SELLVNTG, a marketplace connecting vintage apparel enthusiasts, and WiSPR Systems, a leader in commercial drone innovation. These startups, alongside resources like The Edison co-working space and potential funding from several regional and statewide angel funds, demonstrate Oxford’s commitment to fostering new ideas in diverse industries.
Oxford’s cultural richness, academic excellence, and forward-thinking initiatives make it ideal for startups and established businesses to grow. Lindsey’s guide beautifully captures this blend, making it a must-read for anyone curious about the opportunities in Mississippi. Join us in congratulating Lindsey on this outstanding piece—and check out her entire story to learn more about Oxford’s place on the entrepreneurial map!
