OP-based Innovation in Motion angel fund finds sweet spot in seed stage startups
February 1, 2019 | Startland Staff
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.
Featured Business
2019 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Brewery, taproom taking root in former JoCo Macy’s amid neighborhood transformation
An Iowa-based brewer — lauded for igniting economic growth and vibrancy in the communities where it plants its taprooms — announced plans Monday to expand its Big Grove brand into Prairie Village, projecting a fall 2026 opening within a long-dormant retail space in Johnson County. Dirt already is moving outside the former Macy’s department store…
Goodwill merger pushes expansion plans, KC’s new adult high school to the front of the store, leader says
Consolidating operations between offices in Kansas City in St. Louis not only will produce one of the largest Goodwill footprints in the nation, said Mike Sinnett; the move is expected to bolster efforts to add more retail stores and deepen initiatives like the soon-to-open Excel Center at Bannister Road. Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern…
LISTEN: Biotech founder breaks down how she turns microorganisms into high-quality protein in just 24 hours
On this episode of Startland News’ Plug and Play Topeka founder podcast series, we explore a ground-breaking food innovation with Katelijne “Kate” Bekers, co-founder and CEO of MicroHarvest. This biotech startup is pioneering the world’s fastest protein production — turning microorganisms into high-quality protein in just 24 hours, using sustainable fermentation and agricultural side-streams, while…
From ravioli to revenue: How Pasta La Fata became a fresh pasta powerhouse in mid-Missouri
Editor’s note: The following story was produced through a paid partnership with MOSourceLink, which boasts a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state of Missouri grow and succeed by providing free, easy access to the help they need — when they need it. [divide] COLUMBIA, Mo. — Michelle “Shelly” La Fata built Pasta La…