David Becker’s 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year Award: A Blueprint for Financial Innovation and Regional Growth

Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ) has named David Becker, Chairman and CEO of First Internet Bancorp (NASDAQ: INBK), the 2025 Mickey Maurer Entrepreneur of the Year. This prestigious honor, which emphasizes visionary leadership, community impact, and economic growth, underscores Becker’s decades-long legacy of transforming financial services while fostering innovation in central Indiana.

Becker’s journey began with humble beginnings—delivering newspapers in Indianapolis—as he honed an entrepreneurial spirit that later propelled him to found five companies, most notably First Internet Bank. Today, the bank stands as a pillar of the region’s financial ecosystem, boasting nearly $6 billion in assets and over 300 employees. Its success is rooted in Becker’s pioneering approach to online banking, a sector he entered in 1999 when digital finance was still in its infancy.

Financial Momentum and Market Positioning

First Internet Bancorp’s stock performance offers a clear snapshot of its growth trajectory under Becker’s leadership.

While the bank’s stock has faced sector-wide volatility, its consistent revenue growth—driven by a focus on consumer and commercial lending—has positioned it as a stable player in the online banking space. With a Price-to-Book (P/B) ratio of 1.2 (as of Q3 2024), INBK trades at a slight premium to its tangible equity, reflecting investor confidence in its balance sheet and growth prospects.

Becker’s influence extends beyond his own company. He co-founded TechPoint, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing Indiana’s tech sector, and has held leadership roles at the Central Indiana Community Foundation and the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership. These initiatives align with the Mickey Maurer award’s emphasis on community-driven innovation, which has become a hallmark of the honor since its inception.

Community Impact and Sustainable Growth

The 2025 Mickey Maurer award criteria explicitly prioritize sustainability and community investment, a shift that reflects broader market trends toward ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles. Becker’s contributions exemplify this evolution:

1. Job Creation: First Internet Bank’s expansion has generated hundreds of high-quality jobs in central Indiana, with a focus on inclusive hiring practices.
2. Apprenticeship Programs: Becker’s push to develop high school apprenticeship programs aims to cultivate future talent, addressing skill gaps in the financial sector.
3. TechPoint Leadership: Under his guidance, TechPoint has grown into a catalyst for startup ecosystems, connecting Indiana’s tech community to capital and mentorship.

These efforts mirror the award’s recognition of past winners like Raj Patel (2024), whose agri-tech innovations prioritized small farmers, and Sarah Lin (2020), whose clean energy ventures reduced environmental harm. Becker’s focus on regional economic resilience places him squarely within this lineage.

Investment Considerations: Risks and Rewards

While First Internet Bancorp’s growth is undeniable, investors must weigh sector-specific risks. Online banks face intense competition from legacy institutions and fintech disruptors, as well as regulatory pressures. However, Becker’s track record of adapting to technological change—such as expanding digital banking services during the pandemic—suggests the bank is well-equipped to navigate these challenges.

The bank’s asset quality metrics, including a low non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of 0.4% (as of Q2 2024), further signal operational strength. Additionally, its inclusion in IBJ’s Fast 25 ranking—a barometer of central Indiana’s fastest-growing companies—highlights its scalability.

Conclusion: A Model for Entrepreneurial Leadership

David Becker’s 2025 Mickey Maurer Entrepreneur of the Year award is more than a personal accolade; it symbolizes the power of aligning financial success with community uplift. With First Internet Bank’s robust balance sheet, a talent pipeline nurtured by TechPoint and apprenticeships, and a commitment to regional economic equity, Becker’s legacy offers a compelling investment narrative.

For investors, INBK represents a blend of defensive stability (via consistent dividends and a strong P/B ratio) and growth potential (through TechPoint’s ecosystem and apprenticeship-driven innovation). As central Indiana’s tech and financial sectors continue to thrive, Becker’s leadership—rooted in both innovation and social responsibility—positions him and his enterprises to capitalize on this momentum.

In a landscape where ESG criteria increasingly drive investment decisions, Becker’s dual focus on profitability and community impact sets a precedent for the next generation of entrepreneurs. The numbers tell the story: a $6 billion bank, 300+ jobs created, and a region transformed—proof that sustainable growth and visionary leadership can coexist.