A few weeks ago, innovationIOWA shared that local investors Tej Dhawan and JD Geneser are launching a new statewide venture capital fund targeting early-stage startups. Last summer, Plains Angels created the Plains Angels Investment Fund, which was designed so members of the angel investor could pool funds together to fund startups and diversify…
The fund stems from recent efforts to clarify startup funding needs, says managing partner Two local investors are launching a new statewide venture capital fund designed to bolster Iowa’s early-stage startup funding continuum. Managing Partner Tej Dhawan and General Partner JD Geneser told the Business Record they plan to raise…
The new entity will target research, workforce efforts in manufacturing and defense sectors Iowa State University, Western Illinois University and the University of Illinois System launched Friday the Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute, a partnership to drive innovation and economic development through new technologies and workforce education supporting the U.S. manufacturing and…
Podcast’s first season looks to elevate insights of founders, ecosystem builders around Iowa, says host Kaylee Williams InnoVenture Iowa Investment Director Kaylee Williams met many startup founders while traveling the state hosting workshops to coach early-stage businesses on raising venture capital. In those moments, she wished she could tell their stories to…
Plus, Greater Iowa City CEO shares update on ICAD, ICABP merger Greater Iowa City Inc. recently completed renovations on Merge, a coworking space in downtown Iowa City, and has updated its mission to help meet the needs of Johnson County’s businesses after COVID. Since opening in 2017, Merge has centered on…
The tangible results of innovation are easy to spot in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, whether it’s new technologies and services or a company’s growth in terms of new employees or revenue. But what makes those milestones meaningful is what preceded them — hours of work, pivots, failures and a culture that…
Greater Iowa City Inc. has completed renovations on Merge, a coworking space it operates, and announced an expanded mission and programs. The coworking space will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the renovated space on Aug. 7 from 5-6:30 p.m. at its location at 136 S. Dubuque Street in Iowa City. To attend, register…
The Global Insurance Accelerator has opened applications for the 2025 cohort of its 100-day program. The accelerator provides seed funding and networking with mentors to pre-seed or seed stage companies with a solution focused on the insurance industry. The program will run from Jan. 8 to April 18. The deadline to apply is…
Jason Gross announced on LinkedIn that he accepted a role as chief strategy officer at TruStage, formerly CUNA Mutual. He started the new role Monday. For the last three years, Gross served as vice president – head of investor relations at Des Moines-based venture capital firm ManchesterStory. If you know of other Iowa…
Mike Rice and Keith Giffney have partnered to launch the Momba Group, a new technology staffing company with a charitable component. For each staffing placement in IT and engineering, the organization will sponsor a child in Kenya to provide “nourishment, education and spiritual guidance until the age of 18 years…