Category: MAA

February 20, 2017

Mid-America Angels invest in medical device startup Voxello

Local angel investors inject $287,000 to help medical device startup grow, shortly prior to receiving news of FDA clearance

FAIRWAY, Kan. – (February 20, 2017) – The Mid-America Angels investment network (MAA) announced a $287,000 investment in Voxello, an Iowa-based medical device company. The company’s primary product, called the noddle^TM, is a pioneering solution that detects voluntary gestures in hospitalized patients who would otherwise be unable to communicate. Today, the company also announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance of the noddle^TM.

September 19, 2016

Mid-America Angel investor network and Women’s Capital Connection celebrate exit of portfolio company EyeVerify

Angel investor groups’ history of investment in EyeVerify and CEO Toby Rush pays off

Mid-America Angel investor network (MAA) portfolio company EyeVerify closed a nine-figure deal with Ant Financial, the payments affiliate of Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd. on Monday. This is Ant Financial’s first U.S. acquisition. Read more

October 12, 2015

Could this opportunity be your big break? Apply to present at InvestMidwest

The 17th annual InvestMidwest is seeking applicants to present at the conference on March 23-24 in St. Louis. InvestMidwest continues to attract great investors to see presentations from the best high growth companies in the Midwest-companies that have presented at InvestMidwest have raised over $1 billion in funding and through acquisitions.

There are three industry tracks: life sciences, IT/general business and food/ag/bioenergy. Attached is information on the application process for your reference and to apply visit www.investmidwestforum.com. Read more

September 16, 2015

Rick Vaughn: 7 roles your early stage board should be playing

This post originally appeared on Silicon Prairie News.

I often get asked about the role of a board of directors by both entrepreneurs and angels. I believe good boards can significantly and positively impact the growth of an early stage company.

The responsibility for that growth falls not just on the CEO and management team but the board as well. In addition, the board ensures accountability and transparency and helps establish appropriate procedures, set milestones and assess performance among other things. Read more

August 1, 2015

Mid-America Angels nominated for Silicon Prairie “Investor of the Year” Award

It’s that time of year–the time when entrepreneurs and supporters from across the Silicon Prairie gather to crown our greatest innovators and brightest stars.

This year, the Mid-America Angels investment network is honored to be one of five groups nominated for the Silicon Prairie News “Investor of the Year” award. We’ve been a mainstay capital provider and leader of many Silicon Prairie seed and Series A rounds since 2006. In less than ten years, MAA members have invested over $15 million in regional startups including EyeVerify, Aratana Therapeutics, Bulu Box, Rawxies and Zave and Rhythm Engineering. Read more

May 12, 2015

Guest Post: 3 ways pitching to private investors is different than pitching your company at 1 Million Cups

Guest post by Jeff Shackelford

In the world of entrepreneurship, the number of times each day that you have to describe your business can be overwhelming. In Kansas City, we’re lucky to have programs like 1 Million Cups, a weekly gathering of local entrepreneurs. These programs help knit together the startup community, publicize early-stage companies, and help startup receive and implement early feedback and advice.

May 5, 2015

Extending Kansas Angel Investment Tax Credit is a must for entrepreneurs and investors

Today, the Kansas House of Representatives—specifically, the Committee on Taxation chaired by Johnson County’s own Rep. Marvin Kleeb—will hold a hearing on the extension of the Kansas Angel Investment Tax Credit. This credit, which is currently scheduled to sunset in 2016, is an important tool for Kansas investors and early stage companies. Simply put, it helps more Kansas companies secure more investment.

April 30, 2015

In its 20th year, ECJC makes big changes–inside and out

New brand identity, website and office location will help non-profit enhance capability to serve Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community

FAIRWAY, Kan. – (April 30, 2015) – The Enterprise Center in Johnson County (ECJC) revealed its new, updated brand identity and website this morning, following the organization’s relocation to 4220 Shawnee Mission Parkway. The ECJC is a non-profit organization, supported by funds from Johnson County, the State of Kansas and private donors that helps connect entrepreneurs to the resources they need to grow and scale early-stage businesses. In addition to offering affordable, flexible co-working space, the ECJC also offers advisory services, a mentoring program, educational programs and connections to capital.

April 13, 2015

Talking to Angels and Whales

How to win over the right kind of investors for your innovative startup.

I often hear people say that raising money is hard. Frankly, it is intended to be. However, the process is harder than necessary when entrepreneurs aren’t well-versed in the capital markets and the mindsets of those who typically invest in early-stage businesses.

In fact, seeking out investors is often easier for an early-stage venture than it is for an established company. The key is to understand the different kinds of investors and what they want to see.

April 1, 2015

Mid-America Angels investment network sets record pace in 2015

LENEXA, Kan. – (April 1, 2015) – The Mid-America Angels investment network (MAA) deployed over $870,000 in commercialization funding in Q1 of 2015. This puts MAA on pace to exceed the $2.3 million members of the network invested in six deals last year. MAA’s Q1 activity included a $696,000 investment in Olathe, Kan.-based TVAX Animal Health and a $178,000 investment, led by the Women’s Capital Connection, in Kansas City, Mo.-based Rawxies, a raw, vegan food product company.

“We’re proud to welcome two additional companies to our MAA portfolio, and look forward to working with the management teams of TVAX Animal Health and Rawxies to ensure both their continued growth and job growth in our region,” said George Hansen, President and CEO of the Enterprise Center of Johnson County (ECJC). The ECJC manages the Mid-America Angels network.