Minneapolis angel investment firm expanding to KC, names McCoolidge managing partner

July 9, 2019  |  Startland News Staff

Laura McCoolidge, Sofia Fund

A former leader of the Mid-America Angels fund could be the secret to establishing Minneapolis-based Sofia Fund as a new investment resource for women-led companies within Kansas City, said Cathy Connett.

“The Midwest continues to be a hub of startup activity,’ said Connett, Sofia Fund CEO. “Extending our footprint to Kansas City gives us access to an active investment community that attracts entrepreneurs from throughout the world, particularly female founders.” 

Laura McCoolidge joined Sofia Fund as its Kansas City-based managing partner June 1, Connett said, after having served in a similar role for Mid-America Angels for more than a year, ending in March. McCoolidge is one of five managing partners for Sofia Fund.

Sofia Fund “invests in and grows exceptional women-led companies to maximize returns for investors by bringing its portfolio companies successfully to profitable exits,” according to the firm. Its investment team has invested more than $10 million in 50 companies.

Click here to learn more about the kinds of companies sought for Sofia Fund’s portfolio.

McCoolidge is a newly appointed Kauffman Fellow, as well as the former executive director of Nebraska Angels, a member of the Angel Capital Association (ACA), a mentor for Pipeline, and serves as a board director for NE Enterprises LLC, an organization created to evaluate early stage and international investment opportunities for the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

Did you enjoy this post? Show your support by becoming a member or buying us a coffee.

Tagged , , ,
Featured Business
    Featured Founder

      2019 Startups to Watch

        stats here

        Related Posts on Startland News

        Voting with cash: Meet the 8 Kansas City tech startups competing in the Pure Pitch Rally

        By Tommy Felts | September 25, 2019

        The landsharks are circling and eight hungry tech founders are ready to sell their ideas at the fourth annual, invite-only Pure Pitch Rally, the early-stage funding platform announced Wednesday.  “In Kansas City, we have the business soul and hunger to help others — through both community crowdsourced giving and offering others a stepping stone to…

        Lisa Bledsoe, Tea-Biotics Kombucha; and Hunter Dozier, the Kansas City Royals

        Tea-Biotics opens ‘world’s-largest kombucha taproom’ with 32 flavors, Royals flare

        By Tommy Felts | September 24, 2019

        The strength of Tea-Biotics’ new, world’s-largest kombucha taproom lies in its bold flavors — and a lot of them, said Lisa Bledsoe. “How good is fresh-pressed, organic blueberry? It’s great for you! It’s full of antioxidants,” said Bledsoe, founder of Tea-Biotics Kombucha, referencing just one of 32 variations on tap at the Olathe taproom. “How…

        Hiroshi Nerima, Nabtesco Technology Ventures; Barbara Burger, Chevron Technology Ventures; Jeff Kostos, Spear Power Systems; and Gina Domanig, Emerald Technology Ventures

        Global, KC investors charge Grandview-based battery innovator with 8-figure funding round

        By Tommy Felts | September 24, 2019

        A Grandview-based leader in battery technology is building a charge for expansion as Spear Power Systems announced this week an eight-figure funding round with world-spanning reach and headline-grabbing international investors. “We are pleased with the quality and synergy of the syndicate,” said Jeff Kostos, president and CEO of Spear. “This investment enables Spear to scale…

        Play It Forward reunites South Kansas City-inspired brands, startup leaders

        By Tommy Felts | September 21, 2019

        A bright and sunny pre-autumn day silhouetted the shadows of basketball fans lining up last weekend to enter Smith-Hale Middle School. As the smells from a food truck and sounds of laughter filled the parking lot, players inside readied themselves for a South Kansas City showcase. “We wanted to involve many entities that are directly…