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.