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
Main Street is already harnessing AI to build wealth; adoption now key to region’s growth, heartland leaders say
WICHITA, Kan. — Artificial intelligence is likely to be one of the most transformative technologies of the digital era, said Taylor Eubanks, noting that AI’s thoughtful deployment can be a tool for growth, not displacement. “By engaging directly with entrepreneurs, small businesses, nonprofit leaders and local innovators, we can better support responsible AI adoption that…
AlphaGraphics expansion boasts $1.4M investment, plans to create 16 new KC jobs
A production crew known for eye-catching, colorful designs splashed across Kansas City — including its own East Crossroads headquarters — is expanding its physical and human footprint, marking a key investment in the metro’s growing creative and professional services sector, local leaders said. AlphaGraphics on Tuesday announced an investment of more than $1.4 million and…
Arch Grants taps homegrown founders, Missouri startup recruits for $1.6M in awards
ST. LOUIS — The Missouri maker behind a keychain designed to save lives from opioid overdoses is among nearly two dozen companies — together awarded $1.6 million — selected for the latest Arch Grants program. The innovation economy nonprofit on Thursday honored 19 startups, alongside three new members of its expanded Arch Grants Fellows Program.…
LISTEN: Gripp helps farmers get a handle on multiple ag apps with dead-simple record keeping platform
On this episode of our 12-part Plug and Play Topeka podcast series, we explore how agtech startup Gripp is bringing structure and simplicity to farm operations. Its helps farmers connect their teams, track equipment and assets, and turn everyday routines into shared knowledge. Having grown up on a Wisconsin farm, co-founder and CEO Tracey Wiedmeyer…