InnoVenture Iowa Fund announces 6 new investments

InnoVenture Iowa, Iowa’s first publicly backed venture capital fund, announced it has invested just over $6 million in 22 companies since launching in 2022. It has made six new investments since December 2023, bringing its total portfolio companies to 21. The new portfolio companies are: To read Investment Director Kaylee Williams’ summer…

Continue reading

Iowa-based venture studio Novy adds 2 new hires, seeks startup applicants

A group of five people, two men and three women, pose for a picture in front of a wood wall

Novy, which became Iowa’s first venture studio when it launched in Cedar Rapids in November, announced Tuesday that it is “open for business” with the hiring of two new team members and launch of a push for startup idea applications. Process Leader Sarah Wallace and Vice President of Marketing Jess Greiner have…

Continue reading

Partnership, InnoVenture Iowa holding spring events on raising startup capital

Several events this spring will focus on helping startups learn what they need to raise capital for their business. The Greater Des Moines Partnership is holding the one-day Raising Capital for Startups event on April 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is designed to help startup founders learn about what…

Continue reading

Funding recap: IEDA awards tax benefits, $350K in Innovation Continuum loans in Q4

The Iowa Economic Development Authority awards funding to startups in the form of low-interest loans through its Innovation Continuum, which includes five funds that are designed to offer companies non-dilutive funding at every stage of business growth. The funds are: Proof of Commercial Relevance (POCR), Demonstration Fund and the Innovation Acceleration Fund,…

Continue reading

Funding recap: IEDA awards $2.7M to 10 Iowa startups in Q3

The Iowa Economic Development Authority awards funding to startups in the form of low-interest loans through its Innovation Continuum, which includes five funds that are designed to offer companies non-dilutive funding at every stage of business growth. The funds are: Proof of Commercial Relevance (POCR), Demonstration Fund and the Innovation Acceleration Fund,…

Continue reading

Iowa startup leaders launch state’s first venture studio

The studio, Novy, will focus on health care software companies Novy, Iowa’s first venture studio, was officially launched this week by its three founding partners, David Tominsky, Krista Martin and Eric Engelmann. Novy will co-found, fund and grow software companies starting in the health care industry, according to a news…

Continue reading

Applications open for 2024 BrokerTech Ventures Accelerator

BrokerTech Ventures (BTV) has opened applications for the fifth cohort of its accelerator program. The deadline to apply is Dec. 18. According to a news release, the concept of the BTV Accelerator is to be an “innovation hub” and proof of concept environment for broker-centric products and technology solutions, ultimately bringing validated…

Continue reading