Minneapolis angel investment firm expanding to KC, names McCoolidge managing partner
July 9, 2019 | Startland News Staff
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.
Featured Business
2019 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
StoryUp levels up again: KC-area VR startup secures spot at Apple camp for women-led tech
It’s the ultimate “nerdy” thing for tech entrepreneurs, Sarah Hill said as Columbia-based startup, StoryUP joins an Apple summer cohort — specifically designed to support women-led companies. “To have direct communication, to troubleshoot in an area of media that’s difficult to create. It is valuable for us and we’re honored and we’re really excited about…
You’ll soon have 20+ smart devices in your home; How many will steal your data?
Consumers of smart technology need to be wary of most of the lesser-known brands in retail stores, said Scott Ford. “Most likely they’re using a platform architecture that sits on a foreign market, sending your data to who knows where, without the protections that are common in the U.S,” said Ford, CEO of Pepper IoT,…
Project UK earns $100K prize to help build out tech ecosystem, connected community
A $100,000 injection will position Project United Knowledge for growth that could further fill diversity and inclusion gaps in Kansas City’s tech ecosystem. The accelerator program landed the investment as a winner of the Kapor Center’s $1 million Tech Done Right National Challenge, said Quest Moffat, head of innovation at Project UK. Beyond financial support,…
More than a makeover: ‘Queer Eye’ gives Wesley Hamilton an opportunity to thank the shooter who put him in a wheelchair
Wesley Hamilton’s clear vision for his potential impact took away the nerves while in front of cameras for Netflix’s “Queer Eye,” he said. “Me being able to get on a show with that type of exposure and spread my message to those within my community and outside of it… I’m just really excited for the…