BankTech Ventures, a strategic investment fund and ecosystem launched in November to serve community banks and bank technology entrepreneurs, announced the closing of its first fund. More than 100 limited partners, made up almost entirely of community banks, invested more than $115 million in committed capital. Two Iowa-based banks, Bank Iowa and First Citizens Bank, are […]
Midwest Startups, which supports the Midwest startup and innovation ecosystem, has released its 2022 Startup City rankings. This year’s data shows that the five Iowa regions included in the analysis of 59 Midwest cities all received lower rankings compared with last year. Des Moines moved from the rank of 20 last year to 28 this […]
The “Tech takeaway” is a new feature in the innovationIOWA newsletter that will summarize the topic of the main story and offer insight into the Business Record’s reporting. Feedback and story ideas can be sent to Sarah Bogaards at sarahbogaards@bpcdm.com Tech takeaway: Cedar Rapids nonprofit NewBoCo is launching a Community Partners Pilot Program to work […]
Cambio, a personal finance startup co-founded by Iowan Justin Dwyer, has been chosen to participate in the Y Combinator, a nationwide startup accelerator based in California’s Silicon Valley. The accelerator program lasts three months and invests $500,000 in every company that participates. According to a news release, Cambio’s platform is aimed at helping the 40 million […]
Entering its third year of the program, Techstars Iowa has announced the members of its 2022 class, which started in Des Moines Monday. Daniel Pfeil is joining Techstars Iowa this year as an investment associate to help founders collaborate with investors, according to a news release. Partners Grinnell University, the University of Iowa and Iowa […]
The Global Insurance Accelerator is now accepting applications for its ninth accelerator program, incoming Managing Director Dan Israel announced in a blog post. “While change is occurring in the leadership of the GIA, our 100-day program, our mentors, and our insurance carrier investors all remain focused on helping amazing founders, teams, and insurtech companies reach their […]
Ag Startup Engine has announced a new initial investment in Le Clair, Iowa-based Haggle, an online marketplace where farmers can lend equipment and services they aren’t using to other farmers. “Haggle makes it easy for farmers to earn a passive income with idle equipment,” founder and CEO Nathan Greuel said. “We look to improve agriculture […]
Iowa startup SAFI-Tech, which is creating no-heat and low-heat electronics solder, is partnering with Indium Corp., Clay and Milk reported. Indium and SAFI-Tech will evaluate market applications for supercooled solder materials and explore the development of new products, according to a news release. “Indium Corporation is a world leader and innovator in electronics solder products. Our […]
The Arkansas-based “think and do” tank Heartland Forward announced it has received a Rebuilding Better grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to support entrepreneurship in the heartland region. According to a news release, Heartland Forward will use the grant to develop resources for mayors and community leaders in midsized cities to understand how to […]
How Fairfield, a rural southeast Iowa community, has spurred innovation Fairfield, Iowa’s history is one that other Iowans may not know well. Among its interesting facts: The Fairfield Public Library is the first prototype of the Carnegie library, of which there are now 2,700 around the world; the company that developed the international symbol that […]