Kauffman Fellows hosting hundreds of global VCs in Kansas City homecoming

October 19, 2016  |  Meghan LeVota

The Kauffman Center. Photo by Startland News.

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.

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

Did you enjoy this post? Show your support by becoming a member or buying us a coffee.

2016 Startups to Watch

    stats here

    Related Posts on Startland News

    Kauffman targets $250K grant toward vacant storefront revitalization as World Cup looms

    By Tommy Felts | August 7, 2025

    Funding from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is expected to help Kansas City prepare for an influx of visitors cheering on competitors at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — activating vacant storefronts in key areas with retail, artist, and community-focused pop-ups, city leaders said this week. The KCMO-centered initiative — first announced in June and patterned…

    How these KC pitmasters are smoking barbecue’s gender stereotypes

    By Tommy Felts | August 7, 2025

    Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Kansas City PBS/Flatland, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, The Kansas City Beacon, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story. [divide] Veronica Scroggins of Scott’s Kitchen is the latest on a short list…

    Pilot competition taps drugless mental health solution for latest tech-infused cohort

    By Tommy Felts | August 6, 2025

    A Kansas City-connected startup that helps users see their feelings with its drugless biofeedback/neurofeedback technologies is among 10 companies selected for the latest pilot cohort from NXTUS in Wichita. Finalists for the 2025 NXTSTAGE Community Health & Vibrancy Pilot Competition were announced Wednesday, including Columbia, Missouri-based Healium, which offers tech-driven mental wellness products that quickly…

    Café Corazón sold KC on her alfajores and empanadas; now meet the Argentine chef behind these legendary, handcrafted treats 

    By Tommy Felts | August 6, 2025

    In a space that serves as a crossroads of identities, trays of Silvia Miguel’s now-iconic savory and sweet dishes find a welcome home alongside bold pieces of art, sips of coffee and wares from a vibrant community of Latin and Indigenous entrepreneurs. Miel Castagna-Herrera, co-founder of Café Corazón, started carrying Miguel’s Pan Caliente products soon…