CB Insights calls KCRise most active VC in Kansas; Fund credits work of small team, innovative portfolio startups
February 7, 2019 | Austin Barnes
Kansans don’t fear hard work, said Darcy Howe.
An investment in such a mindset has come with big returns for the KCRise Fund, newly proclaimed the most active venture capital fund in the Sunflower State, according to CB Insights.
Darcy Howe, KCRise Fund
“Perhaps overused but Margaret Mead’s quote, ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world,’” Howe said in response to the distinction.
Deposited into Kansas City’s startup scene in 2016, the KCRise Fund was born when civic leaders came together in attempt to solve economic malaise in the metro, calling for more support behind the KC Rising initiative — a 20 year vision plan for Kansas City prosperity and economic growth, launched in 2014 — Howe explained.
“They asked business and civic folks to come problem solve together,” she said of what sets the KCRise Fund and Kansas City apart from other VC matching firms.
Notable KCRise portfolio companies in Kansas include: ShotTracker, SquareOffs, and Life Equals –– all companies that earned spots on Startland’s list of 12 Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2019, based largely on their likelihood of big news this year.
Click here to read more about Startups to Watch in 2019, which also included the fund’s portfolio firm Pepper IoT on the Missouri side of the state line.
“Promising entrepreneurs are coming to us every day with disruptive ideas in sectors like transportation, logistics, agriculture tech and IoT – verticals where KC already has a national reputation. We know KCRise can continue to be a conduit to capital nationwide and open doors for the next generation of KC startups,” added Ed Frindt, KCRise fund principal.
Click for a larger view of the CB Insights map
KCRise Fund additionally boasts such KCMO success stories as Backlot Cars — which posted an $8 million Series A funding round in late 2018 — and PayIt, named a GovTech 100 company three years running, the fund said.
“This is not only a testament to KCRise Fund, but to the many innovative companies being built by inspiring entrepreneurs in the KC region,” said Chad Feather, KCRise Fund analyst. “I am excited not only about the future of KCRise Fund, but the future of the entire KC entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
St. Louis-based Cultivation Capital was named the most active fund in Missouri, the report said.
2019 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
PHKC awards $25K to Alchemy Sandbox winners; It’s amazing when someone understands your vision, founder says
Year one challenges can be difficult for entrepreneurs to swallow, James Thomas noted, but he’s raising a cup to the first anniversary of Brain Freeze Mobile Daiquiri Shop with validation and a splash of funding. Two days after completing The Porter House KC’s fourth small business development cohort and competing in its finale competition, Thomas…
After his eye-catching KCI installation took flight, Willie Cole had 100+ horns leftover; He kept building
Willie Cole didn’t choose to be an artist. It’s always been part of him. “I think I was an artist in a previous life,” said the contemporary American sculptor, printer and perceptual engineer. “When I was 3 years old, my mom found me drawing in the kitchen, and since then, my family always said I…
Lawrence cybersecurity startup raises $1.85M pre-seed round led by KC’s Flyover Capital
A startup focused on detecting hidden malware and preventing costly ransomware attacks announced a power-packed pre-seed funding round to push its pending launch — with the backing of a trio of high-profile regional investors. The investment in cybersecurity pioneer Invary was led by Flyover Capital, with additional participation from NetWork Kansas GROWKS Equity program, and…
Pickle and Suede: Sporty new line plays on jewelry brand’s versatility, flexes creative muscle
Nickel and Suede is hitting the court this summer, served co-founder Kilee Nickels. The Liberty-based jewelry brand — which just celebrated its ninth birthday — has released a pickleball paddle in collaboration with Recess Pickleball, along with a line of “just the right” accessories to coordinate. “It’s kind of our stamp of approval,” Nickels said.…