Novel Capital teams with Crux KC to offer growth-focused marketing to early-stage tech companies 

March 31, 2025  |  Startland News Staff

Ethan Whitehill, Crux KC; and Keith Harrington, Novel Capital

An exclusive partnership between two Kansas City-based innovators is expected to help remove a traditional financial hurdle to business growth, said Ethan Whitehill, president and chief strategy officer for the KC Chamber-lauded marketing firm Crux KC.

The collaboration between Crux and Overland Park-headquartered capital provider Novel Capital is expected to offer B2B SaaS and tech companies a path to non-dilutive flexible financing for essential marketing services.

“This partnership is a game changer, not only for Crux and Novel Capital, but to the entire market as a first-of-its-kind funding tool with flexible terms for marketing services and fractional chief marketer guidance,” said Whitehill. “We are excited to dive into these innovative, entrepreneurial startups and help them make smart marketing investments that establish their brand, scale marketing ops and rev up sales.” 

Capital, sales development and marketing are three major challenges every tech venture faces to get their business off the ground, he continued. With Novel Capital’s simple, flexible model providing finding to early-stage SaaS companies ready to grow, and Crux’s expertise in marketing and sales, founders get the startup fuel they need to accelerate growth.

Click here to learn more about Crux’s partnership with Novel Capital, which leverages real-time data and AI to provide analytics, fundraising strategy, and non-dilutive capital to B2B SaaS and tech companies.

A three-time finalist for the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year or “Mr. K” award, Crux’s experience in the technology-as-a-service category — offering fractional CMO services backed by a team of specialists — includes client relationships with TreviPay, Super Dispatch and RX Savings Solutions.

“Crux’s growth-focused business approach aligns perfectly with our vision for the founders we work with every day,” said Keith Harrington, co-founder and chief operating officer of Novel Capital alongside fellow serial entrepreneur Carlos Antequera. “At Novel, we’ve funded more than 150 entrepreneurs with more than $100 million, fueling their growth and helping them deliver on their ambitions. By removing the barrier to entry for reliable financing and strategic marketing through this partnership, we are giving founders an alternative to banks and VCs as well as the chance to build something bigger than they ever imagined.” 

Crux’s exclusive marketing services partnership with Novel Capital has already begun with both companies working together to identify high-growth enterprise SaaS and tech clients who would benefit from financed marketing services.

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

      2025 Startups to Watch

        stats here

        Related Posts on Startland News

        An innovation ‘bromance’ brews in Kansas City leadership

        By Tommy Felts | September 9, 2016

        If a blossoming collaboration between two city leaders is any indication, innovation knows no borders in the Kansas City metro. Bob Bennett, chief innovation officer for Kansas City, Mo., and Alan Howze, chief knowledge office for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kan., both share a common goal: they believe that open…

        Events Preview: Celebrate the Journey

        By Tommy Felts | September 8, 2016

        There are a boatload of entrepreneurial events hosted in Kansas City on a weekly basis. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, supporter or curious Kansas Citian, we’d recommend these upcoming events for you. WEEKLY EVENT PREVIEW Second Fridays at Village Square When: September 9 @ 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm Where: Village Square Coworking Studio Second…

        Westport Commons inks first investment fund tenant for huge shared workspace

        By Tommy Felts | September 8, 2016

        One of Kansas City’s newest venture funds is making good on its promise to immerse itself in the world of startups. Only a few weeks after its debut, Kansas City-based Firebrand Ventures announced on Thursday that it has partnered with Plexpod to work directly alongside its entrepreneurs at what will be the world’s largest coworking…

        Kauffman Foundation offers $25K via ‘1 in a Million’ contest

        By Tommy Felts | September 8, 2016

        Think your business is one in a million? The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is offering 1 Million Cups presenters from the last year a chance to snag some cash — and this year they’ve bumped up the prize to $25,000. In its second year, the 1 in a Million competition is open to any firm…