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
Study with USDA researchers affirms startup’s AI-powered facial recognition for cows can detect sick animals
A collaborative study between an Overland Park animal agtech startup and the U.S. Department of Agriculture successfully corroborated MyAnIML’s predictive ability to proactively manage devastating disease outbreaks in cattle production, the company announced this week. MyAnIML uses first-of-its-kind, proprietary facial recognition and deep learning technology to analyze cow muzzles — accurately predicting Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis…
KC startup’s bone cancer treatment for dogs earns ‘milestone’ USDA validation
A decade of hard work by a veteran entrepreneur and her Olathe-based team has cleared a significant hurdle on the pathway to licensure as its first-in-class adoptive cell therapy for dog cancer gains a critical nod of approval from federal regulators. ELIAS Animal Health, a leading companion animal cancer therapeutics company, recently announced that the…
Meet customers where they are (and they’re on TikTok): Marketing experts urge startups to invest in brand building
Like it or not, “TikTok remains king,” said Mikita Burton, encouraging startup founders to balance negative headlines about the video-sharing social media platform with its incredible potential for reaching their most-sought-after audiences. “We don’t just get to pick our customers’ favorite platforms, so you need to be where they are,” Burton, a social media strategist…
Bo Lings owners adapt to lifestyle trends with new fast casual concept in River Market
A new City Market dining option from the couple behind the Bo Lings restaurant chain is serving up fast casual Chinese dishes with authentic flavors and familiar tastes, said Richard Ng. “It’s a new concept, and we hope it takes off,” said Ng, co-owner of Bo’s Kitchen at 108 E. 5th St. in the River…