{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Midwest House","title":"From $5K and Ikea Desks to a Statewide Startup Movement: Amanda Lewan on Building Bamboo","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/9755372a\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2470,"description":"Can you really launch a startup hub with $5,000, no space, and a dream? Amanda Lewan did—and it didn’t stop there.In this energizing episode of the Midwest House Podcast, host Ted Velie sits down with Amanda Lewan, co-founder and CEO of Bamboo, to explore how a scrappy coworking experiment in Detroit became one of Michigan’s most impactful startup communities. From Detroit's post-bankruptcy days to launching a 40,000-square-foot flagship in Grand Rapids, Amanda shares the behind-the-scenes story of how Bamboo has evolved into a statewide platform for founders, innovators, and underestimated entrepreneurs.Inside this episode:How Amanda helped Detroit’s startup scene take shape from scratchWhat building real community looks like when there’s no playbook (or budget)Why Bamboo’s new Grand Rapids space is more than a building—it’s a signalThe power of density, open access, and designing spaces where everyone belongsWhat’s next for Michigan's east-meets-west startup ecosystem—and why now is the momentBonus: lessons from Detroit Startup Week, what Amanda learned from Brad Feld’s Startup Communities, and a sneak peek at her favorite up-and-coming Midwest startup.🎯 This one’s for the builders, the connectors, and anyone who believes the Midwest is just getting started.","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/M4-dE28vWLUt_3n4j5T_FRxOv7c4kcaqvNAysLpQ4cc/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9jMTc1/NmFmMDAwMmJiYWJi/ZTZiNTk3MDNiZTlk/NzNhYS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}