Kauffman Fellows hosting hundreds of global VCs in Kansas City homecoming
October 19, 2016 | Meghan LeVota
More than 200 investors and entrepreneurs from around the globe will soon converge in Kansas City as part of one of the most highly-esteemed venture capital organizations in the world.
Now in its 21st year, the Kauffman Fellows program will reunite top-tier investors that hail from five continents for a reunion summit on Oct. 24 and 25.
The conference will feature an array of industry leaders, venture capitalists, founders and entrepreneurs — including keynote presentations from AOL founder Steve Case and Foundry Group managing partner Brad Feld.
The Kauffman Fellows Program was launched in 1995 by the Kansas City-based Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. With previous summits held in Singapore, Dublin, São Paulo, Shanghai, New York City, Mexico City, and Tokyo, it marks the first time that the program has held the summit in its hometown.
A fellow in the most recent Kauffman Fellows class, Kansas City-based investor Keith Harrington said he’s thrill to be a part of this year’s event.
“I’m excited to welcome Kauffman Fellows to my hometown for this year’s VC summit,” said Harrington who’s a partner at Fulcrum Global Capital and member of Kauffman Fellows. “I’m thrilled that KC’s entrepreneurs have a chance to connect with top investors from around the world. By co-sponsoring the event, the Kauffman Foundation is honoring the spirit of Mr. K’s entrepreneurial legacy.”
The event will take place Monday at the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts and Tuesday at the Kauffman Foundation. Although the event is invite only, the speeches will be live streamed on the Kauffman Fellows website.
Featured Business
2016 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Here’s how ULAH’s new boutique model aims to rack success for local brands, not inventory debt
The new KC Collective consignment-based program for local brands at ULAH is a win for both the Westwood boutique and Kansas City creatives, said Joey Mendez and Buck Wimberly, announcing a fresh model to help the struggling store stay open and financially stable. “We’ve always had local brands,” said Mendez, co-founder of ULAH, explaining the…
Tiki Taco ticks up giving alongside expansion; CEO owns up to taco shop’s neighborhood impact model
A month-long campaign in the popular Kansas City-based chain offers easy add-on: joining KC GIFT’s network of donors Restaurant executive Eric Knott wants Tiki Taco’s operators to own the neighborhoods into which the popular taco shop expands, he said, but that doesn’t just mean dominating the fast-casual market in each pocket of Kansas City. “Our…
Kauffman Foundation announces first-ever semifinalists for Uncommon Leader Impact Award
A new leadership prize aimed at celebrating changemakers at organizations aligned with the priorities of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is closer to naming its first winner, the influential nonprofit announced Wednesday, revealing 12 semifinalists culled from more than 300 nominations. “The response from community members across the Kansas City metro area was tremendous,” said…
Main Street is already harnessing AI to build wealth; adoption now key to region’s growth, heartland leaders say
WICHITA, Kan. — Artificial intelligence is likely to be one of the most transformative technologies of the digital era, said Taylor Eubanks, noting that AI’s thoughtful deployment can be a tool for growth, not displacement. “By engaging directly with entrepreneurs, small businesses, nonprofit leaders and local innovators, we can better support responsible AI adoption that…