EDC is proud to welcome Ben Clark as the newest member of its team, serving as Entrepreneur in Residence. With more than 15 years of experience leading and scaling early-stage companies, Ben brings a wealth of insight to support businesses across EDC’s growing portfolio.
In his role, Ben will focus on helping entrepreneurs build development plans, raise capital, grow their teams, and execute strategic visions. His background spans leadership in both startup and high-growth environments, with a deep understanding of the unique challenges early-stage businesses face.
Before joining EDC, Ben served as President of Iowa City-based IDx Technologies (now Digital Diagnostics), where he helped lead the team to a groundbreaking milestone: the first-ever FDA clearance for an AI system authorized to make a medical diagnosis. During his tenure, the company raised $55 million in capital and solidified its position as a pioneer in healthcare technology.
Ben is currently also President of Steel Therapeutics, where he leads operations and strategy as the company scales its regulatory and clinical initiatives. He holds a bachelor’s degree with honors from Brown University and earned his MBA from the University of Iowa.
“Having spent a lot of time inside early-stage companies, I’ve seen that launching a successful business often involves a unique element only the founder or founding team can drive,” said Ben. “But I’ve also learned that much of the day-to-day work doesn’t need to be reinvented. Helping entrepreneurs handle the foundational tasks so they can focus on what they do best is deeply rewarding.”
“We’re thrilled to have Ben on board,” said Curt Nelson, President and CEO at EDC. “His experience in scaling companies, navigating complex regulatory environments, and raising capital will be an incredible asset to the businesses we serve.”
Ben’s addition to the team reinforces EDC’s commitment to empowering Iowa-based businesses with the resources, expertise, and mentorship needed to grow and scale successfully.
