140+ Companies Apply to Present at InvestMidwest

KANSAS CITY, MO. – Nearly 12 dozen young, fast-growth companies spanning North America have applied to introduce their businesses to prospective investors at InvestMidwest Venture Capital Forum this coming March in Kansas City. 

“We received more than 140 applications from entrepreneurs in 19 states seeking to present their business cases to venture capitalists, private and corporate investors, and other business professionals,” said Christine Walsh, Executive Director of InvestMidwest Venture Capital Forum. 

InvestMidwest, which investors have described as “the Midwest’s premier venture capital conference,” will be held March 19-20 at the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. A selection committee comprised of venture capitalists, business leaders and executives from across the region will select up to 40 of the best applicants to present at InvestMidwest. Those selections are expected to be finalized by February 15, Ms. Walsh said. 

She noted that InvestMidwest, which is marking 20 years of introducing fast-growth businesses to prospective investors, will continue to offer early registration rates through March 1. 

InvestMidwest 2019 will include three separate industry tracks presenting simultaneously: a life sciences track; an agriculture, food and bioenergy track; and a technology track. Presenters will have no more than eight minutes apiece to make a compelling case about their respective businesses to pique the interest of prospective funders. 

In addition to industry track venues for presentations, InvestMidwest offers numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs to meet privately with venture capitalists, private and corporate investors, and business, legal and financial professionals. 

“InvestMidwest consistently offers a carefully curated collection of the Midwest region’s best young companies that are seeking investments to help boost their businesses to the next level,” said Ms. Walsh, “and because we have such strong companies presenting, we consistently attract a great group of investors.” said Ms. Walsh. “We saw about 350 people – including venture capitalists, angel investors and corporate investors – at the 2018 InvestMidwest in St. Louis, and we expect a similar turnout at this year’s InvestMidwest forum in Kansas City.” 

Companies that presented at the previous 19 InvestMidwest events have raised funding in excess of $1 billion in equity, corporate collaborations and exit proceeds. Historically, the forum has been staged in alternate years in the Kansas City area, as it will be this year, and in St. Louis, as it was in 2018. 

“When the final selection process is complete, we anticipate there will be 36-40 dynamic, fast-growth companies presenting at this year’s InvestMidwest Venture Capital Forum,” she said. For more information, to register, or to make hotel reservations, please visit www.investmidwestforum.com. The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce has long been a supporter of InvestMidwest through its work in entrepreneurship.

Contact:
Marna Courson Gasperino 816-985-4432
Christine Walsh 314-444-1151