Pipeline announces award finalists, judges for the Innovators

The Kansas City-based Pipeline Entrepreneurial Fellowship announced Friday the award finalists and national judging panel for its annual awards, the Innovators.

Formerly known as Innovator of the Year, Pipeline’s culminating event is set for Jan. 26, during which 13 fellows from the region will pitch their firms to the judges. Later in the day, the fellows will join hundreds of other high-impact business leaders from the Midwest for a swanky gala to celebrate their progress as well as other alumni’s successes of 2016.

Founded in 2006, Pipeline welcomes 10 to 13 entrepreneurs each year for its development program. Now with nearly 100 alumni, Pipeline derives much of its power from an expansive network that allows members to tap a wealth of connections and resources from other powerful businesspeople in the organization. In 2014, Pipeline member firms grew their revenues by $179 million and raised more than $207 million, according to the organization.

The organization also recognized its 10-year anniversary this year with a module in Ireland and Northern Ireland, on which Startland tagged along.

“Our anniversary class of fellows have had the benefit of so many talented experts all year long – and now with this set of judges, they will be ending their Fellowship year in tremendous style,” Pipeline CEO Joni Cobb said in a release. “We cannot imagine a more fitting way to complete our Anniversary Fellowship class than with our judges from coast to coast – and across the pond – helping us select our winner.”

Click here to learn more about the 13 entrepreneurs — including six innovators from Missouri, five from Nebraska and two from Kansas — competing on Jan. 26.

Here’s more on the alumni award finalists:
Member Inspiration — For leadership in the Pipeline family and dedicated community building:

• Jen Amis (Encounter Telehealth, Omaha)
• Tim Donnelly (SoftVu, Kansas City)
• Maria Flynn (Orbis Biosciences, Kansas City)
• Toby Rush (EyeVerify, Kansas City)
• Jason Tatge (Farmobile, Kansas City)

Member Growth — For significant growth in a fellow’s venture over the past year:

• Jeff Hargroves (ProPharma Group, Kansas City)
• Paul Jarrett (Bulu Box, Lincoln)
• Jeremy Jones (Nitride Solutions, Wichita)
• Aaron McKee (Purple Wave Auction, Manhattan)
• Toby Rush (EyeVerify, Kansas City)
  

Here’s more on the judges:
Presentation Judges:

• Thomas Churchwell, ViMedicus, Chicago, IL
• Victor Hwang, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Kansas City, MO
• Rebecca Lovell, Office of Economic Development, Seattle, WA
• David Wilhelm, Hecate Energy, Columbus, OH

Business Plan Judges:

• George Arida, 30Ventures, Madison, WI
• Jim Brisimitzis, Microsoft, Seattle, WA
• Denis Murphy, Anaeko, Belfast, Northern Ireland
• Tom Parkinson, Hopewell Ventures, Chicago