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
American Voter App gives power, political sway back to the people, founders say
Gamifying the political process could score a more engaged voting public, said Dan Prince, co-founder of the American Voter App, explaining the still-developing technology would be the first to put the power of the ballot box conveniently into users’ smartphones, he said. “We all realize our obligation to be informed and educated and vote on…
Edison Jumpstart grants offer early stage startups an office space entry point
A new grants program will give entrepreneurs the opportunity to “try it before you buy it” — removing a barrier to entry for young startups looking for high-end office space, said Matt Druten, announcing the Edison Jumpstart Program. “We’ve always said [Edison Spaces’ flexible office setup] was built by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs,” said Druten, CEO…
WSJ report: Overland Park-based DEG posts $150M exit in deal with Japanese ad behemoth
Top-tier Kansas City digital agency DEG will provide a global advertising giant with an opening into the U.S. market, as well as push the locally-headquartered firm’s reach international, the companies said Tuesday. Dentsu Aegis Network announced the acquisition of Digital Evolution Group (DEG) as part of an effort to transform its existing creative hub, Isobar.…
KCultivator Q&A: Katie Kimbrell pushes reimagined education, equality for women
Editor’s note: KCultivators is a lighthearted profile series to highlight people who are meaningfully enriching Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The KCultivator Series is sponsored by WeWork Corrigan Station, a modern twist on Kansas City office space. MECA Challenge and Startland News are both programs of the Kansas City Startup Foundation, though the content below was produced…