Built with Purpose: The Team, Mindset, and Momentum Behind Intrepid

Recognition is powerful. Not because of the spotlight, but because of what it represents.

For Intrepid, a recent Mira Award nomination isn’t just a milestone.
It’s a reflection of the work, the people, and the mission behind the company.

A Moment of Recognition and Reflection

The Mira Awards have long celebrated innovation across Indiana’s tech ecosystem highlighting companies that are shaping the future and pushing industries forward.

To be included among that group is meaningful. As Steve Iskander, Founder & CEO of Intrepid, shares: “It’s awesome. It’s humbling to be nominated.”

But for Steve, the recognition isn’t about individual achievement. It’s about the team. “There’s absolutely no way this would’ve been possible without Anna, Casey, and April.”

Behind every growing company is a group of people doing the work, day in and day out. Moments like this simply bring that effort into view.

What It Takes to Build the Right Team

Intrepid didn’t just build a platform. It built a team aligned around a shared mission.

When asked what he looks for when bringing people into the organization, Steve’s answer is simple:

Passion and perseverance.

Not just skill sets. Not just experience.

But people who: Understand early-stage founders.

Recognize how challenging it is to scale a business And are committed to supporting others, not just growing themselves.

Because building something new, especially in an industry ready for change, requires more than expertise. It requires belief.

More Than a Company—A Community Mindset

What makes Intrepid’s team unique isn’t just what they’re building.

It’s how they think about their role in the broader ecosystem.

There’s a shared understanding that success isn’t isolated.
When one business grows, it creates momentum for others.

That’s why the team is focused not only on advancing Intrepid—but on supporting founders and organizations across the community.

Because access to capital isn’t just a business problem.
It’s an ecosystem opportunity.

A Message for Founders in the Journey

For founders navigating the ups and downs of building something from the ground up, Steve offers a message that’s simple, but powerful: “Stay focused and keep going. Keep moving forward.”

It’s easy to look at recognition moments and assume success happens quickly.

But behind every milestone is persistence. Behind every breakthrough is consistency.

And behind every growing company is a founder who chose not to stop.

The Bigger Picture

Awards matter, but not for the reasons people often think.

They’re not the end goal. They’re a signal.

A signal that the work is resonating. That the mission is gaining traction.That the impact is being felt.

For Intrepid, this nomination is one step in a much larger journey, one focused on making capital more accessible and helping businesses grow with greater clarity and confidence.

Final Thought

Great companies aren’t built alone.

They’re built by teams who believe in the mission, leaders who stay the course, and communities that support one another along the way.

And sometimes, along that journey, you pause for a moment—to recognize just how far you’ve come.

Behind every great company is the right support. Let’s talk about how we can support yours. https://www.intrepidfinance.io/contact

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Video Transcript

Darcy Lee CEO & Founder Vida Nova Strategy:
I’ve lived in the area for a little over a decade, and the Mira Awards have always been a major event—recognizing tech companies and their contributions across Indianapolis, Central Indiana, and the state as a whole.

I’ve seen so many incredible companies nominated over the years, so it’s exciting to see you recognized. Congratulations on your Mira Award nomination.

What does that nomination mean to you?

Steve Iskander Founder & CEO Intrepid Finance:
It’s awesome, it’s humbling to be nominated.

There are so many great organizations that have walked across that stage before us—companies we’ve admired and learned from.

For the team, it’s recognition of all the hard work they’ve put in. There’s absolutely no way this would’ve been possible without Anna, Casey, and April.

Darcy Lee CEO & Founder Vida Nova Strategy:
I know several members of your team, and you’ve pulled talent from a lot of different places.

Was there something specific you were looking for when building a team that’s become such a powerhouse?

Steve Iskander Founder & CEO Intrepid Finance:
It really comes down to passion and perseverance.

They understand early-stage founders. They understand how difficult it is to scale an organization.

They’re aligned with the mission—helping drive the business forward while also supporting other organizations in the community.

Darcy Lee CEO & Founder Vida Nova Strategy:
Having started multiple businesses yourself—and now supporting founders—if you had one message to share with them, what would it be?

Steve Iskander Founder & CEO Intrepid Finance:
Stay focused and keep going. Keep moving forward.