Hundreds of investors, entrepreneurs heading to KC for InvestMidwest
March 27, 2017 | Meghan LeVota
A midwestern venture capital forum that has led to over $1 billion in early-stage investments will convene in Kansas City on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 28 and 29.
The 18th annual InvestMidwest conference aims to showcase the best early-stage, high growth tech companies in the region. The event regularly garners more than 300 attendees and is being held at the Sheraton Kansas City at the Westin this year.
Hoping to attract the attention of potential investors in the audience, 45 companies representing 11 states and Canada will give pitches throughout the day. Three industry tracks — life sciences, information technology and food/agriculture/bioenergy — will present simultaneously.
Collectively, companies that have presented at previous InvestMidwest conferences have raised over $1 billion in equity investment over the last 17 years. Seven Kansas City area companies will present, yet the names have not been disclosed.
“This event will reflect a great geographic footprint,” Christine Walsh, executive director of InvestMidwest said in a release. “Over the years, the companies that have applied have shown increased sophistication in approaching the venture capital environment. This process has reflected a substantive strengthening in the Midwest’s entrepreneurial environment.”
In addition to giving high growth firms the opportunity to present to investors, the conference allows for networking and expert speakers. The event kicks off with an opening reception Tuesday evening.
From Kansas City: KCRise Fund managing director Darcy Howe, EyeVerify CEO Toby Rush and Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation entrepreneurial advocate Nathan Kurtz will speak at the breakfast on March 29th. As for the luncheon on the same day, Kansas City area speakers include retired JE Dunn Construction CEO Terry Dunn and TechAccel CEO Michael Helmstetter.
The forum alternates between being hosted in Kansas City, Mo. and St. Louis, Mo. each year. To read more about the forum and its history, click here.
2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Kansas City startup among leading fintech finalists in NXTSTAGE competition
An AI-infused startup led by Kansas City serial founder Jannae Gammage is poised to compete against seven other finalists in this fall’s NXTSTAGE innovation showcase in Wichita. Foresight — a fintech platform that aims to open funding opportunities for underserved borrowers by assessing credit risk, fraud and biases — was selected as finalist for the…
Report: NFL Draft festivities scored $164.3M in economic impact for Kansas City
Despite the stress of feeding thousands of people, a propane tank running out, and a fryer overheating — plus paying the vendor fee — KC’s Wing Bar owner Keshia Clark said teaming up with the NFL Draft in April was definitely worth it for her business. “We saw in three days what one middle class…
‘Follow the smoke and look for the Ferris wheel’: Chef J BBQ set to join Pennway Point (and Arrowhead)
Walking through the West Bottoms, the smell of smoke and spice will lead a hungry wanderer to one of Kansas City’s emerging barbecue hot spots: Chef J BBQ. Restauranter and pitmaster Justin Easterwood, better known as “Chef J,” has made a name for himself — now that hard work has earned Chef J BBQ a…
Overland Park Farmers Market vendor suspended over anti-semitic social media posts
Editor’s note: The following story was first published the Shawnee Mission Post. Click here to read the original story or here to subscribe to the independent Johnson County news source. Content warning: This story includes hate speech and disturbing language. The Overland Park Farmers’ Market has suspended a first-year vendor after his anti-semitic and hate-filled social media posts…