Boise Startup Incubator Names Fourth Executive Director

Jacob Grinwis takes the helm at Trailhead Boise, a nonprofit supporting local entrepreneurs.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Trailhead Boise, a nonprofit organization that provides resources to startup businesses in the Boise area, has named Jacob Grinwis as its new executive director. Grinwis previously served as the director of operations at Trailhead, having joined the organization as an intern in 2022. He has helped launch several key initiatives, including the Idaho Startup Lab incubator and the Tree City Trailblazers accelerator program.

Why it matters

Trailhead Boise plays a crucial role in supporting the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in Idaho. The organization's leadership changes reflect the importance of maintaining stable and experienced management to guide startups through the challenges of launching and scaling their businesses.

The details

Grinwis's promotion to executive director comes after Trailhead Boise has seen several leadership changes in its nine-year history. He previously served as the director of operations, joining the organization in 2022 as an intern. During his time at Trailhead, Grinwis has helped launch initiatives like the Idaho Startup Lab incubator and the Tree City Trailblazers accelerator program. He has also partnered with Pegasus Tech Ventures to bring a regional qualifier of the Startup World Cup, a global pitch competition, to Boise.

  • Grinwis joined Trailhead Boise as an intern in 2022.
  • Grinwis became the director of operations at Trailhead in 2023.
  • Grinwis was appointed as the new executive director of Trailhead Boise on February 6, 2026.

The players

Jacob Grinwis

The new executive director of Trailhead Boise, a nonprofit organization that provides resources to startup businesses in the Boise area. Grinwis previously served as the director of operations at Trailhead, having joined the organization as an intern in 2022.

Tiam Rastegar

The CEO of Trailhead Boise, who previously held the executive director position at the organization.

Trailhead Boise

A nonprofit organization that provides resources to startup businesses in the Boise area, including programs like the Idaho Startup Lab incubator and the Tree City Trailblazers accelerator.

Pegasus Tech Ventures

A venture capital firm that partnered with Trailhead Boise to bring a regional qualifier of the Startup World Cup, a global pitch competition, to Boise.

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What they’re saying

“Jacob has been a driving force behind Trailhead's growth and stability over the past several years. His leadership, operational excellence and commitment to our mission have strengthened our programs, our team and the entrepreneurs we serve every day.”

— Tiam Rastegar, CEO of Trailhead Boise (idahobusinessreview.com)

“I'm incredibly excited to step into this role and continue building on Trailhead's mission of making Idaho a fertile place to start and grow a business. I'm humbled by the trust placed in me by our CEO Tiam Rastegar, our board of directors and the many partners and entrepreneurs who make this vital work possible.”

— Jacob Grinwis, Executive Director of Trailhead Boise (idahobusinessreview.com)

“Idaho's entrepreneurial momentum is undeniable, and I'm energized for what's next.”

— Jacob Grinwis, Executive Director of Trailhead Boise (idahobusinessreview.com)

What’s next

Trailhead Boise's board of directors will continue to support Grinwis in his new role as he works to further expand the organization's programs and partnerships to support the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in Idaho.

The takeaway

Trailhead Boise's leadership change reflects the importance of maintaining experienced and committed management to guide startups through the challenges of launching and scaling their businesses. The organization's new executive director, Jacob Grinwis, has a proven track record of driving innovation and growth, positioning Trailhead to continue playing a vital role in Idaho's entrepreneurial ecosystem.