The Agenda
April 21-22, 2026
Tuesday, April 21 |All Day Coworking Provided by Elevator Coworking Space |
20 W 14th Ave, Kansas City, MO 64116
8:00 AM–4:00 PM | Coworking + Breakfast + Lunch Provided
Start the day with informal networking and coworking at Elevator Coworking. Breakfast and lunch will be available for attendees. This is a great opportunity to connect with other founders, investors, and ecosystem partners in a relaxed setting and see what Elevator Co-Warehousing has to offer.
12:00 PM | Kauffman Conference Center | 4801 Rockhill Rd, Kansas City, MO 64110
Check-In Begins
Conference check-in opens at the Kauffman Conference Center.
1:00–2:30 PM | Water Innovation Session (Panel, Q&A, and Ecosystem Highlights)
Panelists: Nick Brozovic, Courtney Tripp, Jennie Graham and Black & Veatch
With the rise in AI data center demand for water, Midwest water districts are increasingly in the spotlight as they work to balance competing needs from agriculture, traditional industries, consumers, and emerging data infrastructure. This discussion will explore the innovation landscape in water management, including solutions that drive cost reduction, improve water quality, and strengthen environmental resilience. Panelists will also highlight how commercialization of water-related innovations presents timely investment opportunities for Midwest investors and corporate partners.
2:30–4:00 PM | Invite-Only Venture Capital Roundtable Discussion
Session Moderator: William Paiva
Table Moderators: Jeremy Degenhart, Brett Calhoun
Topic: Lessons Learned for Successful Management of Venture Funds in the Midwest
This invite-only roundtable convenes Midwest investors and fund managers for a candid discussion on best practices in venture fund operations and portfolio support. Moderators will facilitate table conversations focused on lessons learned across fund management, syndication strategy, and talent development. Topics will include syndicating deals early within the Midwest and later beyond the region, what venture funds can provide portfolio companies beyond capital, and strategies for attracting and retaining talent across virtual and onsite teams.
2:30–4:00 PM | Angel Investor Roundtable Discussion Sponsored by KCBiohub
Moderator: Jacob Bosch
Topic: This brings together active angel investors and ecosystem leaders for small-group, peer-driven conversations focused on the realities of angel investing in the Midwest.
Designed to be candid and interactive, this roundtable creates space for investors to share lessons learned, compare approaches, and explore how angels can work more collaboratively across the region. The conversation will center on strengthening Midwest angel networks, improving capital access for early-stage founders, and driving long-term regional growth through disciplined, strategic investment.
4:00–5:00 PM | Presenting Company Preview
Get a sneak peek at the companies who will be pitching throughout Day 2 during this informal showcase.
5:00–7:00 PM | Networking Reception
Join conference attendees for a casual networking reception featuring beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres.
7:30-10:00 PM | Invite-Only Investor Dinner Sponsored by Venture360
Grand Street | 4740 Grand Ave, Kansas City, MO 64112
An intimate, invite-only dinner for investors, fund managers, and select partners to connect, build relationships, and continue key conversations from the day.
Tuesday, April 21 |All Day Coworking Provided by Elevator Coworking Space |
20 W 14th Ave, Kansas City, MO 64116
8:00 AM–4:00 PM | Coworking + Breakfast + Lunch Provided
Start the day with informal networking and coworking at Elevator Coworking. Breakfast and lunch will be available for attendees. This is a great opportunity to connect with other founders, investors, and ecosystem partners in a relaxed setting and see what Elevator Co-Warehousing has to offer.
Wednesday, April 22 | Kauffman Conference Center |
4801 Rockhill Rd, Kansas City, MO 64110
7:30 AM | Breakfast + Featured Panel (Part 1)
Topic: Sources of Capital for Entrepreneurs Other Than Venture Capital
Panelists: Nick Reinke, Frank Hopper, and Ramsay Huntley
Venture capital is an important tool for growth, but it is not the only path to building a successful company. This two-part session introduces entrepreneurs and ecosystem leaders to a broader landscape of capital sources beyond traditional venture funding. Panelists will cover nondilutive nonprofit-funded grants, revenue-based financing options, state-level financing supported through SSBCI programs, and community development funding opportunities. The conversation will also explore how entrepreneurs can strategically combine capital sources to fuel growth while maintaining flexibility and long-term sustainability.
8:00 AM | Kauffman Foundation Priorities and Mission
Brief remarks given by Kauffman Foundation representative Jenny Kelly
9:00 AM–12:30 PM | Company Pitches by Track (Breakout Sessions)
Selected companies will pitch across multiple tracks in dedicated breakout rooms. These sessions are designed to connect founders with investors and corporate partners, highlight high-growth opportunities across the Midwest, and showcase innovation across the InvestMidwest ecosystem.
12:00 PM | Lunch + Featured Panel (Part 2)
Topic: Sources of Capital for Entrepreneurs Other Than Venture Capital (Continued)
Panelists: Kaylee Williams, David McNaught, Keith Harrington, and Ruben Alonso III
We will continue the conversation from the morning session, expanding on practical approaches founders can use to secure and combine capital sources beyond venture funding. This lunchtime program will include additional insights, resources, and Q&A.
Closing Remarks to follow lunch