InvestMidwest releases startup lineup for April conference; KC companies set to pitch 

Eight Kansas City startups are among 40 companies selected to pitch in April at InvestMidwest — reflecting not only a diversity of founder representation, but a wide range of agriculture, health, and digital technology innovations from across the Midwest, said Claire Kinlaw.

Claire S. Kinlaw, InvestMidwest

“The caliber of talent and innovation among the chosen companies is truly remarkable, and we’re excited to provide them with a platform to connect with investors and propel their growth,” said Kinlaw, executive director at InvestMidwest, noting more than 120 applications were received during the highly competitive selection process.

The best-fit companies are those seeking Series A funding, operating in health, agriculture, or information/data technology sectors, and are located in or primarily conduct business in the Midwest.

InvestMidwest is a premier venture capital conference in the Midwest, connecting innovative startups with investors seeking high-growth opportunities. It returns to Kansas City April 17-18 for the first time since 2019, thanks to a pandemic pause and venue rotation that sees the annual conference alternate between St. Louis and Kansas City.

Click here to view the schedule for the conference and to register.

Day 1 for the spring event is planned for the Kansas City Club with a reception that evening at the downtown Kansas City Public Library. Day 2 is set for the conference center at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

Kansas City companies set to pitch at the event include two of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2024 — Poshed On The Go and Storytailor — as well as past LaunchKC and Pure Pitch Rally competitors and Pipeline fellows and Pathfinders:

• AskSAMIE, Kansas City, Missouri (Digital Health)
• Amplifi Vascular, Overland Park, Kansas (Digital Health)
• DataAppraisal, Overland Park, Kansas (Digital Health)
• EzBizPortal, Overland Park, Kansas (Digital Health)
• Poshed On The Go, Overland Park, Kansas (DigitalTech)
• Redpoint Summit, Kansas City, Missouri (Digital Health)
• Spinal Simplicity, Overland Park, Kansas (MedTech)
• Storytailor, Overland Park, Kansas (DigitalTech)

Roger Ngo, DataAppraisal, pitching at the LaunchKC competition announcement event in November 2022; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Jonathan Gregory, EzBizPortal, 2023 Pure Pitch Rally; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

InvestMidwest pitchers also include companies from other other Missouri tech hubs:

• AdSwapper, Columbia, Missouri (DigitalTech)
• Amptify, Saint Louis, Missouri (MedTech)
• Buck Surgical, Saint Louis, Missouri (MedTech)
• Cykyl Springs, Saint Louis, Missouri (MedTech)
• Healium, Columbia, Missouri (Digital Health)
• Impetus Ag, Saint Louis, Missouri (AgTech)
• iSite Media, Saint Louis, Missouri (DigitalTech)
• SAYeTECH, Saint Louis, Missouri (AgTech)

Of the 40 companies selected to pitch at the conference, diversity in founder representation stands out prominently, InvestMidwest organizers said, noting 12 of the selected companies are founded by women, underscoring the growing presence of female entrepreneurs in the startup ecosystem.

Additionally, nine companies are represented by BIPOC presenters, reflecting InvestMidwest’s commitment to fostering inclusion and equity within the industry, the organization said.

Geographical diversity is another hallmark of this year’s lineup, with companies hailing from across the Midwest and beyond. The conference features startups from states as far-reaching as Pennsylvania and Washington. Other represented states include Oklahoma, Nebraska, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Texas, and California, showcasing the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit thriving throughout the region, organizers said.

Click here for a full list of 2024 InvestMidwest companies.