OP-based Innovation in Motion angel fund finds sweet spot in seed stage startups

A financial haven for entrepreneurs with fresh ideas in the agriculture, animal and human health spaces, Innovation in Motion (IIM) has made its ninth angel investment, said Lydia Kinkade.

“We look for companies that are solving big problems, have a stellar team, and are poised to grow quickly,” said Kinkade, the Overland Park-sown fund’s managing director.

With a total of $2.372 million now invested in its portfolio companies, IIM has backed three Kansas City companies on both sides of the border — Mobility Designed, Mazen Animal Health, and Nomi, Kinkade said.

“Our sweet spot is seed stage companies, but we have also invested in Series A and B rounds,” Kinkade explained of the funds investment strategy. “We look for opportunities to be highly engaged with our portfolio companies by facilitating introductions to potential customers and strategic partners, ongoing communication throughout the lifecycle of the company, and sometimes a seat on the company’s board.”

Additionally, IIM has funded companies in Colorado, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.

Click here to learn more about IIM’s investment qualifications.

Online since 2013, the firm — founded by Kinkade and serial entrepreneurs behind Overland Park-based Cohen-Esrey, LLC — began making investments in 2015, Kinkade said.

“We took some time to determine our vision and strategy, and [then started investing],” she explained of the funds investment strategy.

In addition to the nine companies in IIM’s current portfolio, the fund has made commitments to two additional companies, Kinkade revealed.