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
Peek inside: Wild Way coffee rolling Austin flavor onto Kansas City’s bean scene
Christine Clutton is taking the rollout of her Wild Way coffee camper concept one cup at a time, she said. Debuting Friday in Midtown, the mobile shop — serving coffee, tea and pastries with a mix of Austin and local flavors — is envisioned as a temporary stop on Clutton’s entrepreneurial journey, she said. “Our…
Nonprofit Village in Midtown aims to cut costs, attack basic needs for mission-based groups
An area investment firm has opened a new collaborative working space to help support Kansas City’s vast network of nonprofits. Led by Jon McGraw and Mehgan Flynn, 31w31 investment group launched the Nonprofit Village, a 6,300-square-foot space at the recently-renovated historic building at 31 W. 31st St. The village hopes to soothe the pervasive challenge…
Merchtable powers a chorus of online stores for emerging bands, artists
Lawrence-based Merchtable plays the tune of an accidental tech company, said co-founder Burton Parker, but it’s proven to be a song of success. Operating 200 online merch stores for such varied artists as singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, comedian Maria Bamford, avant-garde metal band Neurosis, and a host of podcast, DJ, dance and EDM clients, the business…
Made in KC launching Country Club Plaza marketplace with taproom, food, makers
A new Made in Kansas City retail concept on the Country Club Plaza will offer local makers and food vendors space to grow their product lines, as well as a prominent showcase in one the city’s busiest shopping destinations, said Made in KC co-founder Tyler Enders. “The whole goal of this — which we feel…