KU Innovation Park launches Oread Angel Investors network to boost Jayhawk startups
September 30, 2024 | Startland News Staff
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro.
LAWRENCE — A newly announced angel investor network is expected to support high-growth tech and bioscience startups linked to the University of Kansas, said Adam Courtney, opening greater access to capital for companies aligned with the rapidly expanding KU Innovation Park.
Adam Courtney, KU Innovation Park
“The launch of the Oread Angel Investors network is a significant new step in the Park’s mission to create, recruit, grow and retain technology and bioscience businesses in our region,” said Courtney, CEO of KU Innovation Park, which sits just off campus in Lawrence. “Our partners from across KU will help bring this initiative to life and provide vital support to boost our entrepreneurial efforts in the region.”
The network is intended to create connections with alumni, faculty and friends who are engaged with the university to invest in KU-affiliated startups. The membership-based network allows startups to regularly present investment opportunities to prospective investors. Angels do not commit to a specific fund through the model, but instead make individual investment decisions.
Click here to explore funding and investment offerings through the network.
Angels are typically among the first to invest in a new business, offering not just capital but expertise, mentorship and industry connections, Courtney said.
The KU Innovation Park team will provide company sourcing, screening and due diligence, member recruitment, event management and communications to members.
Chris Rehkamp, KU Innovation Park; Startland News photo
“The angel network will engage the extensive alumni community and create new opportunities to invest during the critical early stage for KU-affiliated startups,” said Chris Rehkamp, director of business services for the KU Innovation Park. “This network will provide crucial funding, invaluable mentorship and resources to help startups thrive.”
ICYMI: KU Innovation Park hires former Tech Venture Studio leader to support its entrepreneurs
A grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce supported the development of the angel network. The KU Innovation Park is working in partnership with the University of Kansas, the KU Alumni Association and the Digital Health Co/Lab at KU, among others, to amplify the network’s reach and impact.
The KU Innovation Park is a nonprofit economic development organization and business incubator in Lawrence that already is home to more than 70 companies — including Icorium, InnovaPrep, and Invary (one of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2024) — that employ 730 people, supporting an annual payroll of $48.5 million.
Click here to learn more about the portfolio of businesses at KU Innovation Park.
It works toward building a more modern, resilient and diverse regional economy for Lawrence, Douglas County and the state of Kansas. A public-private partnership, the KU Innovation Park has four founding partners – Douglas County, the City of Lawrence, the Chamber of Lawrence and the University of Kansas.
This story is made possible by Entrepreneurial Growth Ventures.
Entrepreneurial Growth Ventures (EGV) is a business unit of NetWork Kansas supporting innovative, high-growth entrepreneurs in the State of Kansas. NetWork Kansas promotes an entrepreneurial environment by connecting entrepreneurs and small business owners with the expertise, education and economic resources they need to succeed.
Featured Business
2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Transportant picked a lane; now the Lenexa bus tech startup wants to conquer even more of the road
From the driver’s seat, Martin Staples is steering Lenexa-based Transportant toward rapid growth with its real-time, tech-driven approach, he said, bringing greater safety, communication, and efficiency to school buses and expanding the startup’s reach beyond its Midwest home region. Fueling Transportant’s plans to leave coast-to-coast tracks — and beyond — will be key, said Staples, who…
Pitch winners step into spotlight as PHKC helps emerging small biz owners shine on stage (Photos)
Jacquinta Nelson stood before a packed crowd at The Porter House KC’s Pitch Night this week, sharing her vision for S.T.E.P. Movement, a community-based step team designed to uplift young girls. Moments later, she was awarded a $4,000 grand prize. The recognition was deeply personal for Nelson, who is dedicated to mentoring youth to be…
What comes after the World Cup? Leaders ponder KC’s next phase (and how to get there)
Editor’s note: The following is the first in a four-part series exploring the verticals and impact of initiatives within the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City through a paid partnership with EDCKC. EDCKC leader: Tapping Kansas City’s full potential requires coordinated eco devo strategy across region Tracey Lewis has lived and worked in some of…
Clock is ticking on World Cup 2026: Small businesses urged to prepare before this buzzer-beater
A massive influx of visitors are expected next year when more than 600,000 fans descend on Kansas City for its piece of the FIFA World Cup 2026 prize, but potential roadblocks lie ahead for small business owners who are waiting for the action instead of preparing now to capitalize on it, said local leaders. “This…