InnoVenture Iowa, the first public venture capital fund in Iowa, has added three new companies to its investment portfolio since the second quarter, it has announced. The fund began co-investing in early-stage, Iowa-based startups in bioscience, advanced manufacturing and information technology in 2023. A list of all of InnoVenture Iowa’s investments to date is available here. The […]
NewBoCo has announced that Jill Wilkins, who has been serving as the organization’s interim executive director since April, has now been named to the position on a permanent basis. Wilkins succeeds Aaron Horn, who stepped down in April to take a new position. Wilkins spent 10 years with the Cedar Rapids Downtown District and the Metro Economic Alliance, […]
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications now through Jan. 31 for the 2024 Athene Black and Brown Business Summit pitch competition. Applicants must be a for-profit business that is 51% minority owned and has been in business for at least two years. The selected businesses will be invited to participate in […]
The Technology Association of Iowa has announced its 2024 state and federal legislative priorities. Several of the industry association’s state-level priorities remained the same from 2023, including connectivity, cybersecurity, data privacy and business growth. Additions for 2024 are artificial intelligence and workforce. TAI’s 2024 federal policy agenda has the same three priorities as 2023: Develop, attract and […]
The Iowa Biotechnology Association, in collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and Bio Nebraska, has announced the launch of Bio Innovations Midwest, a new event designed to “propel the growth of biomanufacturing” in the Midwest. The event will feature prearranged 1-2-1 commercial meetings followed by a conference that will include networking opportunities. The […]
The Greater Des Moines Partnership has announced the 10 graduates of the second cohort of the Scale DSM Minority Business Accelerator. The business owners completed a seven-month program centered around case-based peer learning, management skills and building networks to help them grow their businesses. The program uses curriculum from Boston-based nonprofit Interise and is sponsored […]
Alquist 3D, a homebuilder using 3D printing, completed construction in November on the first 3D-printed house in Muscatine and Iowa. It is the first of 10 planned 3D-printed houses in the city of Muscatine to be completed. 3D printing was responsible for the home’s 10-foot exterior walls, a news release said. It was the second […]
The studio, Novy, will focus on health care software companies Novy, Iowa’s first venture studio, was officially launched this week by its three founding partners, David Tominsky, Krista Martin and Eric Engelmann. Novy will co-found, fund and grow software companies starting in the health care industry, according to a news release. Each company will receive […]
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, a bureau of the U.S. Department of Treasury has created a new rule called the Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Rule. Starting Jan. 1, 2024, many companies will be required to report information to the U.S. government about who ultimately owns and controls them. Congress passed the Corporate Transparency Act in […]
The Technology Association of Iowa has established an Artificial Intelligence Roundtable, a newly created discussion group for TAI member companies that are applying, supporting and teaching artificial intelligence technologies. The roundtable focuses on participant’s businesses, technical concerns, opportunities, challenges and strategies. The roundtable’s first meeting will be held virtually from 1-2 p.m. Dec. 13. During […]