Recently I spoke with Kate Sieker, a key figure in Phoenix’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. On a journey from the East Coast to Silicon Valley, and finally to Phoenix, Ms. Sieker has become a champion of fostering innovation and collaboration in the startup community. Kate’s work with Phoenix Startup Week and her role in shaping the local entrepreneurial environment through YesPHX and YesAZ highlight her deep personal commitment to positive growth and community. She speaks to the importance of connection and support and reminds us that the best work is work that’s service.
The Interview:
The Journey Begins: From the East Coast to Phoenix
Griffin Connolly: Welcome, Ms. Sieker.Tell me a little bit about your background and how you came to blend community and entrepreneurship in your career.
Kate Sieker: I started out on the East Coast. My undergrad was in psychology, and after that, I spent a year in design school at RISD (Rhode Island School of Design), where I worked as an interior designer. Eventually, I transitioned into recruiting in Boston. That experience taught me a lot about people, sales, and organizational dynamics—specifically, how to match people with companies. I went on to get my master’s at Northeastern, and then I moved to Silicon Valley, where I spent half a decade helping build companies. After my son was born, I moved to Phoenix to find more work-life balance.
As luck would have it, I became involved in the Phoenix startup scene. I was working on a startup in downtown Scottsdale called Weebly when Phoenix Startup Week had its first year. We hosted an event in our office, and I fell in love with the community—the positivity, the generosity, and the willingness of people to help each other. From there, my passion for both building companies and building communities really took off. Phoenix Startup Week became a hobby of mine, and I’ve been working on it ever since.
I love Phoenix and feel very blessed to get to do what I do all day.
Building Phoenix’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Griffin Connolly: Phoenix Startup Week is just one of the many things you’re involved in. Can you explain a bit more about that, along with YesPHX and YesAZ, and how they mesh together?
Kate Sieker: Phoenix Startup Week is an event that’s been running for 10 years now, and this November will be our 10th anniversary celebration. It’s typically a week-long event, but this year, we’re doing three days to honor the milestone, from November 12th – 14th. Phoenix Startup Week was one of the first initiatives that really ignited the entrepreneurial community in the city.
YesPHX grew out of that energy. After Startup Week’s early success, people wanted to keep the momentum going throughout the year, so YesPHX was born as a Slack channel, a social media handle, and a website to spread the word about what’s happening in our ecosystem. It’s really become the go-to place for entrepreneurs in the area to connect, learn about resources, and find community. We also host social events twice a year in the summer and winter, and we’re looking to add another event soon. These socials aren’t scripted—no speeches, no microphones. It’s just a space for people to connect and network organically.
YesAZ is a nonprofit we created to sustain these efforts long-term. It helps keep the energy and support going for Phoenix entrepreneurs.
The Early Days and Motivations Behind Phoenix Startup Week
Griffin Connolly: What were the motivations behind the launch of Phoenix Startup Week?
Kate Sieker: I didn’t start Phoenix Startup Week; that credit goes to four guys who had the initial vision. As the story goes, they were sitting in a cigar bar in Scottsdale and started asking how we could motivate and build the startup ecosystem here. The idea of gathering resources and fostering a sense of community became the driving force behind it. I got involved in the first year as a participant, and over the past decade, I’ve taken on various roles—running programming, co-chairing the event, and eventually leading it. It’s been amazing to watch the evolution of Phoenix’s entrepreneurial ecosystem over the last 10 years. There’s been a lot of change and growth.
The Importance of Community in Entrepreneurship
Griffin Connolly: The community aspect is something I admire about your work. Why has building a sense of community, particularly in entrepreneurship, been so important to you?
Kate Sieker: Starting anything new is scary. It’s intimidating, and it requires you to be vulnerable. I believe that having a support system around you is essential. Whether it’s mentorship, mental support, or even just having someone to bounce ideas off so you don’t make the same mistakes, community can be a real safety net and it’s very important.
For me, connecting people who are like-minded and on similar journeys is really fulfilling. I’ve learned more about leadership from my time with Phoenix Startup Week and YesPHX than from any book I’ve read. When you’re working with volunteers who are incredibly busy, keeping them motivated, engaged, and empowered teaches you a lot about leadership, humility, and service.
The best work you do is the work that’s service.
Phoenix as an Entrepreneurial Hub
Griffin Connolly: I moved to Phoenix from a small town in Colorado a couple of years ago, and I’ve noticed how vibrant and growing the entrepreneurial community is here. What do you think makes Phoenix stand out compared to other cities in the U.S.?
Kate Sieker: There are several factors that make the Phoenix ecosystem unique. For one, we have ASU, which has been ranked number one in entrepreneurship for several years. The presence of a top-tier academic institution like that brings incredible talent and resources to the area. We also have other universities like U of A and NAU, which are contributing to the ecosystem.
On a broader level, I think the spirit of entrepreneurship is woven into the fabric of Arizona. It’s the Wild West out here—people are used to creating their own opportunities. There’s less asking for permission and more getting creative and making things happen.
COVID also played a role in reshaping Phoenix. It brought a lot of new talent here because of the attractive work-life balance. The cost of living, the weather, the outdoor lifestyle—it all makes Phoenix a great place to live and work.
Economic development initiatives from the state have also been pivotal in supporting startups. Organizations like the ACA (Arizona Commerce Authority), GPEC (Greater Phoenix Economic Council), and local municipalities, have played big roles in nurturing the ecosystem, and I think that’s really special. They’ve figured out how to support startups in the ways that they need. They could be doing a lot of different things with their time and it’s impressive that they put their resources into our startup ecosystem.
Griffin Connolly: Do you think other cities could replicate Phoenix’s entrepreneurial success, or is there something inherently unique about this place?
Kate Sieker: I think every ecosystem is different. There are certainly aspects of Phoenix’s success that could be replicated elsewhere—like the collaborative approach to economic development and the role of local universities—but Phoenix is at a unique point in its growth. We’re really starting to ask ourselves, “Who do we want to be in the future?” It’s like what young people experience when they’re figuring out their life paths. We’ve gained momentum over the past 10 years, and now we’re deciding what comes next.
I try not to compare Phoenix too much to other places, because it’s evolving into something uniquely its own. We’re a large and growing city with a lot of resources, and I’m excited to see where that leads us.
Lessons Learned and the Value of Mistakes
Griffin Connolly: As you look back on your journey, what challenges stand out? Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you wish you’d known earlier?
Kate Sieker: Oh, definitely. The greatest teachers are your mistakes. One lesson I learned early on is to never take a job just for the money. Titles and paychecks can be tempting, but if there are red flags, it’s important to pay attention to them. Every job you take should align with your values and long-term goals.
That said, the mistakes I’ve made have shaped who I am and helped me define my non-negotiables. They’ve also built my character. Life is about growth, and sometimes you need to experience setbacks to figure out what really matters to you.
I also think if I could do things over, I would take the opportunity to live and work overseas, in Europe. I find the different perspectives this brings really interesting.
When you get older and introduce a family into your career picture this also brings a lot of changes and struggles as you adjust to the new person you become. There’s a constant evolution.
Finding Fulfillment Through Growth
Griffin Connolly: Through the ups and downs, what has been most fulfilling for you about your work in entrepreneurship and community building?
Kate Sieker: Growth. Personal growth is incredibly important to me and I love building things—whether it’s a business, an event, or relationships—and seeing growth, both in myself and in others, is really rewarding. Helping people connect, build, and succeed keeps me grounded and motivated. I’m not afraid to try new things or fail. As long as it’s for a good cause and benefits others, I’m willing to take the risk.
Trends in Entrepreneurship
Griffin Connolly: Phoenix has changed a lot in the last decade, and it seems like entrepreneurship is evolving, too. What trends are you noticing in the space?
Kate Sieker: The growth in Phoenix has been explosive. When I started, there wasn’t much reason to visit downtown Phoenix—it was underdeveloped, and there wasn’t much culture. Now, there’s been a massive transformation, with new businesses, restaurants, and a vibrant arts scene.
There are also so many more players in the ecosystem now, which is a good thing. There’s a commitment to building the startup ecosystem in the state which is really positive and encouraging. The talent pool is diverse and fresh, and that’s helped spur collaboration and innovation.
Advice For Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Griffin Connolly: As a high school student running a Student Launch Club, which is essentially an incubator for aspiring entrepreneurs, what’s the best advice you would give to young people like me?
Kate Sieker: Ask questions—lots of them. Be curious about everything. Don’t make assumptions, because they rob you of opportunities.
I’ve learned the value of an MVP (minimum viable product), and I think everyone could benefit from adopting that MVP mindset. Build something small, launch it, and see what happens. Then iterate based on the feedback you get. This process applies to everything in life, not just entrepreneurship.
Being bold and questioning the status quo will take you far.
Griffin Connolly: I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me. This has been really valuable.
Kate Sieker: You’re welcome, Griffin. I hope to see you at Phoenix Startup Week!
Read my interview with fellow Phoenix entrepreneur, Christie Kerner, here.