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

        Summer Trep Series

        OHUB x KCUP set to debut ‘18th & Vine Summer Trep Series’ for black, Latinx startup builders

        By Tommy Felts | July 10, 2019

        The first spoke of Opportunity Hub’s arrival in Kansas City debuts July 19 with a new monthly event series dedicated to business builders from black and Latinx communities. “This is a celebration of unity, creating a healthier ecosystem within Kansas City, Missouri,” said Jamilah Jones, a business development officer at the Economic Development Corporation of…

        Pure Pitch Rally 2018, photo by Mikaela Wendel Photography

        Pure Pitch Rally returning in October with spot-cash funding; applications open now

        By Tommy Felts | July 9, 2019

        The land sharks are already hungry for Kansas City’s top tech talent, said Karen Fenaroli, announcing the planned return of the Pure Pitch Rally this fall. “Not only does Pure Pitch Rally provide startups with the opportunity to earn much-needed cash funding, it gives local entrepreneurs direct access to the resources and people in our…

        Phil and Elizabeth Glynn, Travois

        Travois earns rare B-Corp status for longtime work to ‘fill the gaps’ caused by 200 years of broken promises to Indian Country

        By Tommy Felts | July 9, 2019

        Obtaining one of the world’s top scores as a Certified B Corporation is just the beginning for Kansas City-cultivated Travois.  “Part of why we are different is because [the product] we have and offer is really impactful,” Elizabeth Glynn, CEO, said in explanation of how Travois — a company that promotes housing and economic development…

        Bob Langenkamp, Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri

        EDCKC touts five years of economic development as president and CEO departs

        By Tommy Felts | July 6, 2019

        When Bob Langenkamp was approached in 2014 about leading the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri, momentum was building for a city on the cusp of a World Series win, economic revitalization and revived civic pride. “It’s been a great run,” said Langenkamp, reflecting on his tenure as president and CEO of EDCKC. With…