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.

[adinserter block="4"]

2016 Startups to Watch

    stats here

    Related Posts on Startland News

    Bean around the block: How this Westport coffee shop is cherry picking roasts from its own farm in the Andes

    By Tommy Felts | August 21, 2025

    A hemisphere away from Brett Janssen’s former job at General Motors in Kansas City’s Northland, the now-budding Westport coffee shop owner found a fresh batch of opportunities: his wife, business partner and a transcontinental farm-to-cup Columbian coffee operation. Janssen’s House Coffee — the fruit of Janssen and his fiancée Genisis Mejia’s passion for coffee —…

    Attic with global ambitions: Luxury brand builds from humble origins to Material Opulence

    By Tommy Felts | August 19, 2025

    Renauld Shelton II sees power stitched into the seams of fashion, the Kansas City designer said, detailing the dynamic pairing of apparel and pride that grounds his luxury clothing brand. “It’s a confidence builder. When you look good, you feel good,” said Shelton, founder and CEO of Material Opulence. “It sets you up for success.”…

    Startup Crawl returns Sept. 19, marking Startland’s 10-year anniversary with KC innovation focus

    By Tommy Felts | August 19, 2025

    Kansas City’s largest startup open house is back this fall — celebrating a decade of innovation alongside emerging builders and newsmakers. Set for Sept.19 and organized by Startland News, Startup Crawl will mark the newsroom’s 10-year anniversary with a high-energy showcase of the city’s entrepreneurial community. The event, presented by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation,…

    How reactivating history can drive economic growth more sustainably than a new build

    By Tommy Felts | August 18, 2025

    Editor’s note: The following is part of an ongoing feature series exploring impacts of initiatives within the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City through a paid partnership with EDCKC. Hotel owners wanted charm that can’t be built in today’s economy; Kansas City history booked them the bones to do it A one-of-a-kind, limestone-clad building at 906…