BrokerTech Ventures announced Tuesday it has partnered with Des Moines-based venture capital investor ManchesterStory to launch the BrokerTech Fund LP. According to a news release, it is the first venture capital fund focused on early-stage insurtech companies developing technology solutions for brokers. Limited partners of the $34 million fund include Holmes…
The Iowa District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration has named the city of Iowa City the recipient of its 2023 SBA Iowa Small Business Community of the Year Award. The award is presented in honor of the SBA’s annual National Small Business Week celebration, held the week of April…
By Lisa Rossi Insurance companies continue to face a changing world, including a retiring workforce, global upheavals and issues of inflation and interest rates. At the April 20 CEO panel and InsurTech Founder panel at the Global Insurance Symposium, we heard strategies for facing these changes. Speakers included:CEO panelAnant Bhalla,…
The University of Northern Iowa Family Business Center will host Robert Pasin, chief wagon officer at Radio Flyer, during its Virtual Breakfast Series event on May 19. Pasin will speak about balancing the legacy of the business and the spirit of entrepreneurship that emerging leaders are experiencing. “One of the…
Iowa-based private equity firm Midwest Growth Partners announced Monday the completion of fundraising for its third investment fund. The firm exceeded its initial fundraising goal with $170 million raised. Midwest Growth Partners has served lower middle market companies seeking succession planning liquidity or growth investment since 2013. The firm focuses…
A University of Iowa College of Nursing professor Stephanie Gilbertson-White is using a mobile app to help Iowans in small towns and rural communities learn more about the nature of their cancer diagnosis and how to best manage their symptoms. The app is called Oncology Associated Symptoms and Individualized Strategies, abbreviated…
Four business ideas shared $5,000 in prize money at the University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center Venture School Spring Pitch Competition on April 11. Paul Altvater of Level Up Bouldering won $2,400, for his idea of a combined rock-climbing, weight lifting and yoga studio. Alan Murdock took second place…
Meta and Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs are hosting a premiere of a short documentary about an Iowa family-owned business followed by two panels discussing how to support the future of small businesses on Tuesday, April 25 at Fleur Cinema and Cafe. The documentary, “They Came From All Over,” was…
Johnston-based fintech Growers Edge announced last week a strategic relationship with Munich Re in Germany, a provider of reinsurance, primary insurance and insurance-related risk management. According to a news release, the relationship between the two companies will bring together Growers Edge’s data and analytics and Munich Re’s experience in reinsurance…
The Iowa Economic Development Authority announced Monday innovation funding for three startups through Iowa’s State Small Business Credit Initiative. The Innovation Fund was created as part of the initiative to offer additional funding opportunities to assist entrepreneurs through concept, launch and expansion. Nebullam Inc., based in Ames, received a $250,000…