Fishers is home to First Internet Bank (First IB), the first bank in the United States to operate entirely online, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. David Becker, CEO of First IB, initially got into consumer banking because he owned several software companies, and banks at that time didn’t understand software companies, or software as a service. He launched First IB in February 1999, which was a major technological jump for people to be able to do banking in real-time, online. Becker chose Fishers as First IB’s headquarters in 2021 because it was a natural fit.
“Even though we’re 25 years old, we’re very entrepreneurial in spirit,” said Becker. “First IB fits in with the entrepreneurial community going on here in Fishers. So when we decided to actually build the headquarters versus leasing space from somebody else, there was no question in my mind: Fishers was the place to be.”
Before breaking ground on First IB’s headquarters, Becker recalled a memorable moment where he sat down with Mayor Scott Fadness at Sunrise, a local breakfast restaurant, and agreed on a vision for downtown Fishers that included First IB’s headquarters and started working on plans.
“The mayor and his team were the real genesis for us being a part of downtown Fishers and revamping the skyline here,” said Becker. “They’ve been very instrumental in helping us get it off the ground, and supporting us in every way possible once we got in here.”
First IB’s employees have become an integral part of Fisher’s vibrant, entrepreneurial community in just two short years. First IB has quickly become the trusted lender for developers’ projects in the Nickel Plate District since they opened. Because of this, they’ve gotten to know many of the companies and investors in the community, and sublease some of their space to help smaller businesses get going.
“It’s been fun getting to know the community and setting down the roots. It’s growing like a weed, so it’s a great place to be!”
To learn more about First Internet Bank, visit www.firstib.com.
