Established in 2021, the city of Des Moines’ Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization program has awarded $1.5 million in matching funds to support mid- and large-scale renovations of more than two dozen buildings in key neighborhood corridors across Des Moines. The program has extended the life of buildings in neighborhoods like the Highland Park and Drake neighborhoods […]
In my recent interview with new University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center Executive Director Adam Keune he discussed the importance of mentors to founders who are navigating the challenges of starting their companies, including with talent. Here’s some of what he shared. “I think it’s because somebody could be great in one role but terrible in another, and […]
Investor interest in the startup’s recent growth spurred its third funding round, says co-founder Charise Flynn Des Moines-based startup Hummingbirds announced Wednesday it has raised $5.4 million in new venture capital funding for a total of $10 million raised since its first fundraising round last year. Hummingbirds’ platform aims to create authentic word-of-mouth marketing for […]
MākuSafe Corp. announced May 23 a partnership with Wesco International Inc. that will integrate MākuSafe’s wearable device with Wesco’s product offerings and supply chain expertise. Wesco is a Fortune 500 company offering electrical, industrial, and communications products and services for safety solutions to businesses worldwide. The collaboration will aim to deliver benefits such as reduced […]
The Liechtenstein Group, an international group of companies and investment platform owned by the Foundation Prince Liechtenstein, is making a lead investment in PowerPollen’s next funding round of $24.4 million. PowerPollen, based in Ames, has developed a pollination technology that collects and preserves pollen for up to four years. It can then be applied at the […]
Following its expansion from three to 14 Midwest cities in 2023, Des Moines-based technology company Hummingbirds announced Wednesday that it has raised $3.3 million in seed funding that it plans to use to expand its online platform to more than 30 U.S. cities in 2024. The Des Moines-based technology company connects businesses with hyperlocal content […]
innovationIOWA is sharing profiles of the current members of Maple Studios, a startup studio for early-stage industrial technology companies based on the campus of Ramco Innovations in West Des Moines.Jeff Reed, founder and CEO of Momentum Studios, shares about the company’s journey below. Other members of the Momentum Studios team are Chief Operating Officer Laura Reed, Business […]
The InnoVenture Iowa Fund has made investments in eight early-stage Iowa startup companies in the advanced manufacturing, bioscience and information technology industries. The companies are Stratafolio, Shaka, PV Pallet, FarrPro, Farmpost, Clayton Farms, the Hummingbirds and Distynct. More information about the companies is available on the InnoVenture Iowa website. Investment Director Kaylee Williams shares more updates […]
Iowa EdTech Collaborative Executive Director Mark Butland is leaving the organization for a new role in San Diego, according to an announcement sent via email on Tuesday. His last day is May 12. Transition planning began in January, the announcement said. A new leader has not been named. “We have made significant progress and have strong momentum. […]
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 Innovation Acceleration Launch Fund loan […]