Investors Stories
$40M Firebrand II fund strengthened by Kansas City VC’s merger with Boulder firm, leaders say
Merging two venture capital funds focused on one startup-rich portfolio is expected to create a larger platform for founders in up-and-coming markets, said Chris Marks. “While a merger is unique in the venture world, this feels very natural based on our overlap in values, our shared commitment to supporting authentic leaders, and our similar focus…
Investor survey: Angels plan to keep capital flowing to startups, but amounts likely to decline
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. COVID-19 won’t stop most angel investors — though they likely will rethink…
98 percent more grit: Why one founder says women work harder for the same investment dollars
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. TULSA,…
Wichita VC backs two KC startups: ‘Great companies can be built in crazy economic times’
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Despite a global pandemic, Wichita-based Accelerate Venture Partners closed nearly as many…
West Coast startup studio thinks now is the perfect time to add KC tech companies to its portfolio
A Venice Beach, California-based startup studio wants to fund, found, and grow more startups — including those in the Kansas City area. “When we got started, our main goal was to reduce the 90 percent failure rate of startups,” explained Austin Stofer, founder and CEO of Sieo — the California startup studio that currently boasts a 12-company…
