OP-based Innovation in Motion angel fund finds sweet spot in seed stage startups
February 1, 2019 | Startland Staff
A financial haven for entrepreneurs with fresh ideas in the agriculture, animal and human health spaces, Innovation in Motion (IIM) has made its ninth angel investment, said Lydia Kinkade.
“We look for companies that are solving big problems, have a stellar team, and are poised to grow quickly,” said Kinkade, the Overland Park-sown fund’s managing director.
With a total of $2.372 million now invested in its portfolio companies, IIM has backed three Kansas City companies on both sides of the border — Mobility Designed, Mazen Animal Health, and Nomi, Kinkade said.
“Our sweet spot is seed stage companies, but we have also invested in Series A and B rounds,” Kinkade explained of the funds investment strategy. “We look for opportunities to be highly engaged with our portfolio companies by facilitating introductions to potential customers and strategic partners, ongoing communication throughout the lifecycle of the company, and sometimes a seat on the company’s board.”
Additionally, IIM has funded companies in Colorado, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.
Click here to learn more about IIM’s investment qualifications.
Online since 2013, the firm — founded by Kinkade and serial entrepreneurs behind Overland Park-based Cohen-Esrey, LLC — began making investments in 2015, Kinkade said.
“We took some time to determine our vision and strategy, and [then started investing],” she explained of the funds investment strategy.
In addition to the nine companies in IIM’s current portfolio, the fund has made commitments to two additional companies, Kinkade revealed.
Featured Business
2019 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
‘This is the dream’: Starty Party turns up the volume on Kansas City tech, collaboration (Photos)
It isn’t a party without the people, said organizers of the Starty Party, gathering a crowd of startup veterans, early stage founders, investors and community leaders Wednesday for a one-night celebration of innovation — set against the backdrop of homegrown music and vibes. “This is amazing,” said Melissa Vincent, CEO of Pipeline Entrepreneurs, from the Starty…
KC preps for World Cup all-nighter, taste testing 23-hour drinking window for summer games
Entrepreneurs want to tap into all the potential business they can when an estimated 650,000 visitors descend on Kansas City for the World Cup, said Jim Ready, detailing plans for a temporary expansion of alcohol sales in KCMO to accommodate a global audience in June and July 2026. The move is more of a stress…
Kauffman narrows Uncommon Leader contenders to five finalists from community orgs
Kansas City leaders advancing toward the Kauffman Foundation’s high-profile impact award all demonstrate bold, creative, and inclusive leadership, said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, announcing five finalists for the inaugural honor. “Each of these leaders reminds us that one person can make a difference, and that compassion and dedication can change the lives of the people we…
KC-built app locks down vulnerable users’ data before they can share it with online scammers
He’s a startup founder today, but a protective brother first, said Danny Moran, describing how his sister with special needs motivated the launch of an app to protect vulnerable people engaging in a digital world too often filled with bad actors. “She’s been scammed online multiple times over the past 10 years, causing significant financial…