The 2019 InvestMidwest Venture Capital Forum is now accepting applications for presenting companies at its 20th annual conference.
In celebration of its anniversary, the conference is dubbed “20 Years of Capital Meeting BIG Ideas.”
Highlighting an average of 45 high-growth startup companies in the life sciences, technology and food/agricultural bioenergy industries, InvestMidwest brings more than 300 attendees and investors together to explore potential investment opportunities. The goal is to provide access to capital for emerging, privately held companies and to promote business growth, entrepreneurship and expansion across the Midwest.
“Entrepreneurs who apply should represent fast-track companies seeking a substantial investment of at least $1 million to power their companies to the next level,” said Christine Walsh, InvestMidwest executive director.
Applications to present an eight-minute case for funding are reviewed by a selection committee. Walsh recommends interested companies apply early, which allows the selection committee to ask follow-up questions and increases an organization’s opportunity to present. The selection committee is comprised of private investors, venture capitalists, corporate and business executives, and business advisers.
In addition to presentations, companies have the opportunity to network with potential investors and take private meetings. Past attending venture capital firms include the Kansas Bioscience Authority, Nebraska Global and Capital Midwest.
Walsh said over the last 19 years, presenting companies have raised more than $1 billion in equity, corporate collaborations and exit proceeds. At the 2018 forum, 45 high-growth companies pitched.
InvestMidwest began with funding from the Kauffman Foundation, the Danforth Foundation and corporate sponsors. Nothing special is planned to mark the 20th year of the forum.
InvestMidwest is scheduled for March 19-20, 2019, at the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. Early application deadline is Nov. 2, and final application deadline is Jan. 4.
