InvestMidwest releases startup lineup for April conference; KC companies set to pitch
March 14, 2024 | Startland News Staff
Eight Kansas City startups are among 40 companies selected to pitch in April at InvestMidwest — reflecting not only a diversity of founder representation, but a wide range of agriculture, health, and digital technology innovations from across the Midwest, said Claire Kinlaw.
Claire S. Kinlaw, InvestMidwest
“The caliber of talent and innovation among the chosen companies is truly remarkable, and we’re excited to provide them with a platform to connect with investors and propel their growth,” said Kinlaw, executive director at InvestMidwest, noting more than 120 applications were received during the highly competitive selection process.
The best-fit companies are those seeking Series A funding, operating in health, agriculture, or information/data technology sectors, and are located in or primarily conduct business in the Midwest.
InvestMidwest is a premier venture capital conference in the Midwest, connecting innovative startups with investors seeking high-growth opportunities. It returns to Kansas City April 17-18 for the first time since 2019, thanks to a pandemic pause and venue rotation that sees the annual conference alternate between St. Louis and Kansas City.
Click here to view the schedule for the conference and to register.
Day 1 for the spring event is planned for the Kansas City Club with a reception that evening at the downtown Kansas City Public Library. Day 2 is set for the conference center at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
Kansas City companies set to pitch at the event include two of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2024 — Poshed On The Go and Storytailor — as well as past LaunchKC and Pure Pitch Rally competitors and Pipeline fellows and Pathfinders:
- AskSAMIE, Kansas City, Missouri (Digital Health)
- Amplifi Vascular, Overland Park, Kansas (Digital Health)
- DataAppraisal, Overland Park, Kansas (Digital Health)
- EzBizPortal, Overland Park, Kansas (Digital Health)
- Poshed On The Go, Overland Park, Kansas (DigitalTech)
- Redpoint Summit, Kansas City, Missouri (Digital Health)
- Spinal Simplicity, Overland Park, Kansas (MedTech)
- Storytailor, Overland Park, Kansas (DigitalTech)
InvestMidwest pitchers also include companies from other other Missouri tech hubs:
- AdSwapper, Columbia, Missouri (DigitalTech)
- Amptify, Saint Louis, Missouri (MedTech)
- Buck Surgical, Saint Louis, Missouri (MedTech)
- Cykyl Springs, Saint Louis, Missouri (MedTech)
- Healium, Columbia, Missouri (Digital Health)
- Impetus Ag, Saint Louis, Missouri (AgTech)
- iSite Media, Saint Louis, Missouri (DigitalTech)
- SAYeTECH, Saint Louis, Missouri (AgTech)
Of the 40 companies selected to pitch at the conference, diversity in founder representation stands out prominently, InvestMidwest organizers said, noting 12 of the selected companies are founded by women, underscoring the growing presence of female entrepreneurs in the startup ecosystem.
Additionally, nine companies are represented by BIPOC presenters, reflecting InvestMidwest’s commitment to fostering inclusion and equity within the industry, the organization said.
Geographical diversity is another hallmark of this year’s lineup, with companies hailing from across the Midwest and beyond. The conference features startups from states as far-reaching as Pennsylvania and Washington. Other represented states include Oklahoma, Nebraska, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Texas, and California, showcasing the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit thriving throughout the region, organizers said.
Click here for a full list of 2024 InvestMidwest companies.
Featured Business
2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Dublin down on shenanigans: Smoke Brewing goes green with St. Patrick’s season pop-up
St. Patrick’s Day-themed Shenanigans is now open in downtown Lee’s Summit. But just until March 23. The owners of Smoke Brewing Company at 209 S.E. Main St. decked out the barbecue restaurant and brewery in floor-to-ceiling St. Paddy’s decor, and have food and drink specials to match. It’s a way to make St. Patrick’s Day…
The game is rigged; the goalposts move (and we still have to pretend it’s fair)
Editor’s note: The perspectives expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. JQ Sirls is an author and illustrator, as well as co-founder and CEO of Storytailor — an AI-infused storytelling platform that turns children’s emotions and challenges into adventures filled with imagination and wonder. His company was named one of Startland News’ Kansas City…
How Trump’s win on DEI means fewer fresh foods for KC’s east side; USDA rakes back critical grant for farmers market
An ambitious plan to create greater food security through urban farming won’t be entirely uprooted by efforts to dry up federal funding for projects linked to equity and access, said Alana Henry — but its harvest likely will yield dramatically less. “Doing right by people is always the right answer,” said Henry, executive director of…
‘Black-owned dining passport’ launches in response to Trump’s attacks on diversity
A new effort encouraging support for local, Black-owned businesses — many in Kansas City’s historically redlined neighborhoods — is a timely reminder of the purchasing power in each diner’s hands, said Brandon Calloway. Kansas City G.I.F.T. on Friday launched the first edition of its “Savor The Flavor” Black-Owned Dining Passport, which features 13 restaurants. Diners…