Member Spotlight

Introducing: Gabe Linehan, Director of Partnerships, Qdeck, Imagine Venture Partners (SELTZi & Golfview RE Dev)



Describe the business/organization you work for:

I work closely with my mentor, Jagdeesh "Jag" Prakasam, in all of his endeavors through his Venture Comapny. My main work, and where I started first working with Jag, is with an AI-Driven financial technology/wealth management platform, called Qdeck. My title here is "director of partnerships" - beyond partnership curation, I have also been wearing many other hats, like that of sales, BD, fundraising & product design. We are in the start up phase but fully invested into building this company up to its highest potential, just got our AI/technology patent confirmed on 2/14/25 . I have also been working closely with our other portfolio companies, SELTZi, a craft brewed cocktail company, and the Gold View Apartment development inn Mountain home, which happened to be the first multi-family housing complex to be building Mountain Home since 2008. For those last two, I have been doing fundraising and business development.


 

What inspired you to start your own business, or why did you decide to work for this specific organization?

I met Jag and got introduced to Qdeck back in 11/2024. At that point, I recognized how special the technology was that the team had built, from which, all of Qdeck was being build atop of - that's when I targeted this as my next endeavor/career. Knowing I had such relevant experience in the space, spending eight years as a financial advisor myself, and the years since spent in sales & BD - I vied for my opportunity to come on board with Qdeck, and thankfully Jag was able to recognize my value and what I would be able to uniquely bring to the table. Since then, I have worked closer and closer within the other projects that Jag is at the helm of through running the Venture firm - SELZTi & RE development projects in Mountain home, Idaho.


 

What sets this business apart from others in the industry?

  • Qdeck - patented AI technology - unique alignments with major players in the industry
  • SELTZi Cocktail Co.- brewed like a beer, put on tap like a beer, taxed & regulated like a beer - drinking like a (11x) internationally awarded cocktail
  • Imagine Venture Partners RE development - Golf View Apartments - 1st multifamily housing development project in the city of Mountian Home since 2008. this is a trailblazing endeavor to get finalized, and will echo into the future as far as impact or development for the city of MH.



What challenges have you faced as a business owner or employee, and how did you overcome them?

As a business owner, entrepreneur or trusted employee in the start up space - you MUST continue to believe in your vision for the future and the mission you are on to get there. I have had to fail many times, make wrong decisions based off best intentions, learn, bet on myself, and ultimately, put myself in positions others wouldn't (based off perceived risk), so I can eventually have what others can't. I have never settled for a job or opportunity, and taken the financial and personal risk it takes to see through those transitionary times - I continue to only put my efforts towards projects and people that have proven their long term visionary value/future. Surviving when needed, so I can thrive for good, based off my love for myself, the people around me, and for the endeavors I chose to put that time towards.



What advice would you give to someone looking to join your industry?

If you are bold enough, and let your intuition and wisdom guide you - trust your feelings - put yourself first, never settle for any career path that does not fuel you and your creative spark. Once you know the direction you must go - trust it - and put yourself into positions that others won't, so eventually, you can have what others can't.


 

Connect with Gabe on LinkedIn HERE

Check out Qdeck on their website HERE

Meet Nathan Jack

6 June 2025
Introducing: Nathan Jack, Department Chair of Computer Science and Engineering, Brigham Young University Idaho Describe the business/organization you work for: Brigham Young University-Idaho is a private four-year university owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. BYU-Idaho offers 2- and 4-year degrees in a broad variety of disciplines. Many of the technology-specific degrees offered are housed in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Degree options within this department include Computer Science, Software Engineering, Web Design and Development, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Computing. What inspired you to start your own business, or why did you decide to work for this specific organization? I enjoy working for BYU-Idaho because of the teaching-centric focus of the university. The faculty truly care about each and every student; they are 100% focused on teaching and mentoring students. Nearly all faculty have significant industry experience, resulting in a very practical and hands-on experience for our students. Our graduates are hard-working individuals equipped with the knowledge and skill sets needed for the fast-paced tech industry. Equally important, they are individuals of high integrity. They demonstrate a collaborative and friendly spirit in their interactions with others. They are truly a joy to work with. What sets this business apart from others in the industry? Our students come to us from all 50 states and several countries. We are one of the largest universities in Idaho in terms of enrollment and graduates in technical fields. We are eager to engage with local employers and educators and work together to strengthen the tech industry in Idaho.  Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn HERE Check out BYU Idaho on their website HERE

Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs: Diane Bevan at Punchbowl News' Small Business Summit

13 May 2025
Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs: ITC CEO, Diane Bevan, at Punchbowl News' Small Business Summit May 13, 2025 Washington, D.C. This morning, Washington, D.C. buzzed with energy as Punchbowl News hosted The Summit: Investing in Small Businesses, a dynamic event spotlighting the pivotal role of small enterprises in bolstering the U.S. economy. Among the distinguished speakers was Diane Bevan, President and CEO of the Idaho Technology Council , who delivered compelling insights on fostering entrepreneurship in rural communities. Championing Rural Innovation In a panel discussion moderated by Punchbowl News' senior congressional reporter Andrew Desiderio , Bevan emphasized the necessity of advocating for policies that nurture entrepreneurship beyond urban centers. Drawing from her extensive experience, she highlighted the unique challenges rural entrepreneurs face and the importance of tailored support systems to ensure their success. The Verizon Digital Ready Advantage Bevan also shed light on the transformative impact of Verizon's Small Business Digital Ready program. This free, online platform offers over 50 self-paced courses, one-on-one coaching, and networking opportunities, equipping small business owners with the tools and confidence needed to navigate the multifaceted world of entrepreneurship. Bevan noted how such resources are invaluable in leveling the playing field for rural businesses, enabling them to thrive in today's digital economy. Engaging Conversations with Industry Leaders The Summit featured a series of enlightening sessions, including a one-on-one interview between House GOP Conference Chair Lisa McClain and Punchbowl News Founder and CEO Anna Palmer . A fireside chat followed, featuring Verizon Chair and CEO Hans Vestberg and Hall-of-Fame quarterback Joe Montana, now Managing Partner at Liquid 2 Ventures . Their discussion delved into the intersection of technology, investment, and small business growth. "You need to believe in what you're doing," Verizon's Vestberg says. "I think large companies like us need to take responsibility for their ecosystem." Joe Montana noted that his firm is currently investing in 900 small businesses. He reiiterate that relationships are the most important tool in running a successful business. Joe Montana says he learned to stay out of politics a long time ago."Just always want to be on the winning side," Montana said. A Collaborative Effort for Economic Growth The event culminated in a panel that brought together diverse perspectives from industry and policy experts. Alongside Bevan, panelists included Jim Gowen, Senior Vice President of Global Sourcing and Supply Chain and Chief Sustainability Officer at Verizon; Tom Demarest, CEO of OKIN Process; and Michael O'Rielly, former FCC Commissioner and President of MPORielly Consulting, LLC. Their dialogue underscored the collective effort required to support and sustain small businesses across the nation. Demarest shared how Verizon's Small Business Digital Ready platform made a huge impact on his businesses. O'Rielly shared the importance that policy plays in the success of America's small business owners. The panelists emphasized the importance of digital connectivity, consistent spectrum policy, resilient supply chain and relationships for small businesses. Bevan's participation in The Summit not only highlighted the critical needs of rural entrepreneurs but also showcased the power of collaboration between public and private sectors in driving inclusive economic development. Her insights serve as a call to action for continued advocacy and support for small businesses, ensuring they remain a vibrant and integral part of America's economic landscape. For more information on the event and its speakers, visit Punchbowl News Events . About Idaho Technololgy Council The Idaho Technology Council has a mission to build a strong tech community in Idaho by bringing people together, supporting tech education, and advocating for policies that promote sustainable growth. Together, we’re making Idaho a top destination for technology and innovation. The Idaho Technology Council is a membership organization committed to increasing awareness of a thriving technology ecosystem statewide. We are dedicated to fostering an innovative tech community in Idaho by acting as a catalyst that brings together leaders, drives collaboration across all industries, and advocates for tech growth. As a nucleus of thought leaders, innovation, and tech advocacy, we empower government, industry, and reinvestment. Our mission is to position Idaho as a premier tech destination by attracting tech companies and talent, driving educational support and policy, convening tech leadership, and initiating conversations on emerging topics.

Meet Jillana Finnegan

7 May 2025
Introducing: Jillana Finnegan, Executive Director of Strategic Projects, College of Western Idaho Describe the business/organization you work for: College of Western Idaho opened its doors as the Treasure Valley's first community college in 2007. Today, we serve over 30,000 students annually. CWI serves community members at any stage of life's path with these educational programs: Dual Credit: Get a head start on your college education, explore your interests, and save time and money while in high school. Academic Transfer: Build the right foundation for a career pathway or to transfer by earning an associate degree. Career & Technical: Engage in fast-paced, hands-on, and focused training to gain the competitive edge employers are seeking. Workforce Development: Rapidly acquire career-focused skills to facilitate employment, retrain, or advance in your career. Adult Education: Gain life-changing, essential skills to reach your goals and succeed, such as completing a GED or improving literacy skills. What sets this business apart from others in the industry? CWI change's the trajectory of lives for generations to come. We offer: Open, affordable access unparalleled in the Treasure Valley. Student-centered commitment, adapting to meet students where they are. Career-oriented outcomes to provide students a competitive edge. Share something you love about Idaho, or a specific community you serve, or any special projects you would like to share with our followers, or even something specific you love or want to share about the company you represent. CWI students are the most hardworking and tenacious I have ever met. They are from all walks and stages of life. There is no typical CWI student, except that most are managing multiple responsibilities and challenges that could easily make them quit on their education. Instead, it seems to fuel their determination to continue. What inspired you to join the ITC? The two strategic projects I am leading right now are related to growing the tech workforce. I support our partnership with Micron to train more technicians and am the chair of CWI's AI Committee. Both projects have given me insights into the challenges and opportunities of building the workforce we need right now and predicting what will be needed in the future. I am inspired by ITC's mission to connect the tech community, because I know how vital collaborative and coordinated efforts will be to our success as a State. What are you looking forward to the most about serving as a board member of the ITC? I am looking forward to building relationships with other members and finding opportunities to collaborate. What do you like to do in your free time, or anything else you would like to share with our network? Like most Idahoans, I like to spend my free time with my family, friends, and dogs; ideally enjoying Idaho's beautiful outdoors. Connect with Jillana on LinkedIn HERE Check out CWI on their website HERE