Kauffman Fellows hosting hundreds of global VCs in Kansas City homecoming
October 19, 2016 | Meghan LeVota
More than 200 investors and entrepreneurs from around the globe will soon converge in Kansas City as part of one of the most highly-esteemed venture capital organizations in the world.
Now in its 21st year, the Kauffman Fellows program will reunite top-tier investors that hail from five continents for a reunion summit on Oct. 24 and 25.
The conference will feature an array of industry leaders, venture capitalists, founders and entrepreneurs — including keynote presentations from AOL founder Steve Case and Foundry Group managing partner Brad Feld.
The Kauffman Fellows Program was launched in 1995 by the Kansas City-based Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. With previous summits held in Singapore, Dublin, São Paulo, Shanghai, New York City, Mexico City, and Tokyo, it marks the first time that the program has held the summit in its hometown.
A fellow in the most recent Kauffman Fellows class, Kansas City-based investor Keith Harrington said he’s thrill to be a part of this year’s event.
“I’m excited to welcome Kauffman Fellows to my hometown for this year’s VC summit,” said Harrington who’s a partner at Fulcrum Global Capital and member of Kauffman Fellows. “I’m thrilled that KC’s entrepreneurs have a chance to connect with top investors from around the world. By co-sponsoring the event, the Kauffman Foundation is honoring the spirit of Mr. K’s entrepreneurial legacy.”
The event will take place Monday at the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts and Tuesday at the Kauffman Foundation. Although the event is invite only, the speeches will be live streamed on the Kauffman Fellows website.
Featured Business
2016 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Ready to bet big? Kansas wants to help entrepreneurs win more federal innovation grants
Kansas innovators now have access to a new tool designed to help them compete for major federal funding. The Kansas Department of Commerce has opened applications for the state’s SBIR and STTR Matching Program, which provides financial support and hands-on guidance for entrepreneurs pursuing federal innovation grants. The matching initiative is part of ACCEL-KS, a…
New Maker of the Year: Why this mom’s side hustle for the girly girls couldn’t stay at home
A hobbyist venture that began with making shirts for her kids has earned Julie Swopes a spot on Made in KC’s shelves for her Chiefs- and Royals-inspired tees — along with one of the local-first retailer’s top honors: KC New Maker of the Year for 2025. “I’m just a stay-at-home mom that has turned her…
Don’t be a stranger: When this Crossroads refuge closes, another chapter begins for Afterword (and the space it leaves behind)
With two more Open Mic Nights and more than a month left on its lease at Afterword Tavern & Shelves — a cozy corner hotspot where patrons leisurely bond over drinks and good reads — the popular Crossroads third-space isn’t finished telling its story despite losing the space to its new landlord, said Kate Hall.…
Exporting KC to the world: Esports leader revs come-from-behind global takeover amid World Cup’s big draw
As the metro bundled up and showed out Friday, getting its latest taste of what the 2026 World Cup has in store, the Kansas City Pioneers dropped new heat — raising the thermostat on their commitment to seize the moment brought forth by the global gathering as a net for esports. “Now is the time for…