Startup ideas are here, but does Kansas have the risk capital to get them to the next level?
Zik Nwanganga, co-founder of Ulom, chats with Chris Rehkamp, KU Innovation Park, during a pitch event for the NXTSTAGE Accessing Growth Capital Program finale in Overland Park; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
Eight early-stage Kansas entrepreneurs sat across from Midwest-based investors this week at Aspiria NOW in Overland Park, engaging in rapid-fire, “speed dating” style meetings aimed at moving their ventures closer to real investment.
“We’re seeing just a great inflow of companies, especially at the early stage, come in just high levels of sophistication and awareness of what they’re building,” said Liam Reilly, investor at KCRise Fund.
The private event marked the finale of the NXTSTAGE Accessing Growth Capital Program, an eight-week initiative designed to help founders navigate the often-intimidating landscape of early-stage fundraising.