BrokerTech Ventures took a significant step last week toward its goal of building a connecting bridge between Israeli- and U.S.-based insurtech founders and insurance brokers. The Des Moines-based insurtech accelerator hosted a delegation representing the Israel InsurTech Accelerator, which was launched last year in partnership with BrokerTech Ventures as the first broker-led insurance accelerator in Israel. […]
BrokerTech Ventures announced Monday that applications are open for its 2022 accelerator program. The Des Moines-based accelerator focuses on startups that serve the insurance industry and specifically brokers. The 2022 program will be BTV’s third accelerator since its founding in 2019. Twenty startups will be selected for the program early next year, with the five-week program starting […]
Cultivo Virtual Academy announced Wednesday that six international startup companies have completed its six-week virtual Global Innovation Program. Hosted by America’s Cultivation Corridor, the program provided an online curriculum and mentorship and networking opportunities with Iowa’s agricultural leaders with the goal of helping the companies prepare to enter the U.S. market. The third cohort is planned for […]
Two agtech startups affiliated with Cultivo Virtual Academy are among the 15 finalists selected to pitch their products at Foodbytes Pitch 2021 on Nov. 10. AgriDigital is an Australia-based company and alumnus of the spring 2021 Cultivo cohort providing a digital platform serving the grain supply chain. U.K.-based company and member of Cultivo, BioLevel’s microbial products allow for reduced use of fertilizer. The […]
The Identity Theft Resource Center released Wednesday a report showing the difficulties small businesses and entrepreneurs face after experiencing a cyber incident. The results of a survey of 417 business leaders and IT professionals in companies of 500 people or fewer revealed that about 60% of the small businesses surveyed have experienced at least one data breach, […]
The North Iowa Community College Pappajohn Center and the Small Business Development Center are offering a free virtual workshop for people considering starting a business. The Start Smart workshop will cover topics like creating a business plan, doing market research and garnering startup funding. Attendees will be able to follow up with the SBDC after […]
Denim Social, whose software helps financial institutions manage their social media presence, has raised a $5 million Series B round of financing, Clay & Milk reported. The round was led by two banking-focused investment funds — Fintop Capital and JAM Fintop BankTech. The funds will support product development and drive significant marketing and sales expansion for the […]
America’s Cultivation Corridor launched its second iteration of Cultivo Virtual Academy Tuesday with a cohort of six startups from around the world. The six-week virtual program connects the participating companies with mentors and Iowa’s agricultural leaders and provides a curriculum focused on entering the U.S. market and navigating regulatory and finance systems. “It is exciting to welcome a […]
Tim Zhang, owner of Des Moines-based Starkline, is in the final round of the Making It … With Lowe’s pitch competition, which aims to give diverse small business owners an opportunity to sell their product in Lowe’s stores. Zhang’s electrical netting product is in contention to be the Fan Favorite; the product with the most votes will receive […]
Inside the intimate auditorium at the Science Center of Iowa, an audience of startup community partners, members and investors displayed their energy and excitement for the 2021 Techstars Iowa cohort at the Demo Day event Wednesday. Founders from the 10 companies each spent three minutes pitching their concepts and sharing the progress they achieved during […]