James Stapleton

Founder, Codefi Foundation on Rural Innovation

Dr. James Stapleton is founder of Codefi and the Codefi Foundation on Rural Innovation in Cape Girardeau. Codefi is building a network of innovation hubs across the mid-south to close the opportunity gaps preventing workers from resilient employment in high-pay, high-demand jobs. Codefi’s progressive approach centers around growing the economy with digital jobs, technical skill-building, entrepreneurship, and creative spaces that foster remote and co-working. In collaboration with federal and private partners, Codefi is creating a national rural source employment network to connect software developers who have completed its immersive, on-the-job training program with companies across the country seeking remote workers and contractors. Dr. Stapleton has over 25 years of experience as an entrepreneur, angle investor and entrepreneurship advisor, and is currently actively involved in several tech startups.