For startup founders in Kansas City, securing the right funding can be the key to turning a great idea into a thriving business. While coastal tech hubs often dominate the conversation around venture capital, Kansas City is quietly becoming a powerhouse for startup growth, with a strong network of investors eager to support innovative companies.
Whether you’re building in FinTech, AgTech, HealthTech, SaaS, or the Animal Health Corridor, Kansas City offers a range of funding opportunities designed to help founders scale. The city’s startup ecosystem is strengthened by accelerators, incubators, and networking events that connect entrepreneurs with the right investors and resources to succeed.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the top venture capital (VC) firms actively investing in Kansas City startups, along with key insights into local funding trends, networking opportunities, and essential resources for growing your business.
Top VCs in Kansas City
Five Elms Capital
About: Five Elms Capital is a leading growth equity firm investing in bootstrapped B2B SaaS and technology companies outside of Silicon Valley.
Sweetspot check size: $ 8M
Traction metrics requirements: We invest $5-75 million in companies with $2-20 million in revenues.
Thesis: Five Elms Capital is a global growth equity firm that invests in fast-growing B2B software businesses that users love. Five Elms provides capital and resources to help companies accelerate growth and further cement their role as industry leaders. Since firm inception in 2007, Five Elms has focused exclusively on software investing, building an unmatched network and deep domain expertise. Today with $700+ million AUM and a global team of over 50 investment professionals, Five Elms has invested in more than 40 software platforms globally.
Sprint Accelerator
About: Sprint Accelerator powered by Techstars, bringing together the future of mobile health.
Thesis: The Sprint Accelerator, powered by Techstars, is a three-month, immersive, mentor-driven startup accelerator for ten companies that will be based in Kansas City. The focus is to help startups build the future of mobile health that changes the world one patient or consumer at a time. Whether enterprise, big data, or mobile, the future of mobile health begins with you and your team. The application of blockchain technology can help the healthcare sector. It helps in the safe storage and access of patient records. Cryptocurrencies and NFTs are based on blockchain technology. NFT trading is helping several traders to make a profit.
Flyover Capital
About: We are a team of technology entrepreneurs with operational experience. We lean on our own entrepreneurial journeys to inform our investment approach and our partnerships with portfolio companies and their founding teams – aiming to help them accelerate their timeline to success.
Sweetspot check size: $ 1.25M
Traction metrics requirements: Revenue: 100K-1.5M in ARR Revenue Generating B2B Focus Located Outside of CA, MA, NY
Thesis: Partnering with the next generation of B2B technology success stories outside of the traditional tech hubs.
Firebolt Ventures
About: Firebolt Ventures is venture capital firm focused on all things software (enterprise b2b application/infrastructure layers, fintech, consumer).
Fulcrum Global Capital
About: Fulcrum Global Capital invests in disruptive companies that address the challenges facing global food systems as a result of explosive population growth and evolving demographics and markets.
Thesis: Fulcrum Global Capital invests in companies disrupting agriculture & animal health.
KCRise
About: KCRise Fund is a venture capital firm focused on investing in early-stage technology companies with a strategic connection to the Kansas City region.
Thesis: We invest primarily in pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A rounds. We are industry-agnostic investors with 48 portfolio companies in a variety of verticals with a particular focus on: Supply Chain/Logistics, Automotive, GovTech, FinTech, Benefits/HR and Digital Health.
Prolog
About: Prolog backs companies that help all of us enjoy healthy lives in a healthy world
Nueterra Capital
About: Nueterra Capital invests in early and growth-stage companies that are focused on changing the status quo. We equip innovative minds with the capital, resources, and expertise to catapult their growth, create wealth for our investors, and help drive transformation across a range of industries.
Firebrand Ventures
About: Firebrand Ventures combine a vast network and deep experience with startup hustle to invest in exceptional early stage software startups.
iiM
About: Innovation in Motion (iiM) is an early-stage investment firm that employs a disciplined approach to identifying, funding, and curating early-stage companies. We partner with companies that are making innovative changes in the agriculture, animal health, and human health sectors so we can make a difference in the world at large.
Why Kansas Is an Emerging Startup Hub
Kansas is rapidly gaining recognition as a center for startups, thanks to its dynamic growth in sectors like AgTech, HealthTech, Manufacturing, and SaaS. Cities such as Kansas City, Wichita, and Overland Park are at the forefront of this development, offering a combination of economic incentives and funding programs that make the state an attractive destination for entrepreneurs.
AgTech and Animal Health Innovation
The state's rich agricultural heritage has naturally led to advancements in AgTech and animal health. Initiatives like Plug and Play Topeka's accelerator programs are instrumental in fostering innovation in these fields. Their recent nine-month program features startups focusing on areas such as finance and insurance, AI on the farm, biostimulants, and IoT and sensing. This initiative has attracted companies from eight different countries and various U.S. states, underscoring Kansas's growing influence in AgTech.
HealthTech and Manufacturing Growth
Kansas's central location and skilled workforce have made it a hub for HealthTech and Manufacturing startups. The state's emphasis on innovation in healthcare and its strong manufacturing base provides a solid foundation for startups aiming to make significant impacts in these industries.
Economic Incentives and Funding Programs
Kansas City offers a range of funding programs and incentives designed to help startups grow, attract investment, and scale their operations. Whether you're seeking early-stage funding, tax credits, or grant opportunities, there are several resources available to support your business.
Kansas City-Specific Incentives
- LaunchKC provides funding and resources to help high-growth tech startups establish themselves in Downtown Kansas City. The program offers grants, mentorship, and networking opportunities to fuel startup success.
- Digital Sandbox KC awards up to $20,000 in proof-of-concept funding to help early-stage startups accelerate their innovations and bring products to market.
- KCInvestEd connects local investors with promising startups, fostering capital flow within the region.
Statewide & Regional Incentives Available to KC Startups
- The Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit (KAITC) Program offers investors up to a 50% tax credit, encouraging investment in innovative startups.
- NetWork Kansas connects entrepreneurs with over 500 statewide partners, providing funding and business development resources.
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program helps businesses secure financing for expansion, particularly in non-metro areas.
Networking and Fundraising Events for Kansas Startups
Participating in local events can significantly enhance your fundraising efforts by connecting you with investors, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs. Notable events in Kansas include:
Wichita Startup Week
Scheduled for September 30 to October 4, Wichita Startup Week offers a series of panel discussions, sessions, and workshops designed to transform business ideas into reality. The event covers topics such as software, marketing, cybersecurity, and accounting, providing valuable insights for startups, small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs. Notably, Groover Labs offers free coworking during the week, fostering collaboration among participants.
Global Entrepreneurship Week Kansas City (GEWKC)
Taking place from November 17 to 21, 2025, GEWKC is part of a global movement celebrating entrepreneurship. The event features expert-led sessions aimed at helping entrepreneurs grow their knowledge and skills, networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders, and engaging activities and workshops. It's an excellent opportunity to connect and learn within Kansas City's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
1 Million Cups Kansas City
1 Million Cups is a weekly gathering of entrepreneurs and innovators that takes place in multiple locations throughout the country, including Kansas City. Each week, two local entrepreneurs give brief presentations about their businesses, followed by a Q&A session. Attendees have the opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback, and make connections. It’s a great way to learn about new businesses and meet people who are passionate about entrepreneurship.
Pure Pitch Rally
Held annually in October, Pure Pitch Rally brings together the Kansas City tech community by providing a platform for tech startups to pitch their ideas. Selected entrepreneurs have the opportunity to present their innovations to a panel of investors, CEOs, and VIPs, competing for funding and resources totaling up to $1 million. The event fosters connections between angel funders and the tech startup ecosystem, making it a significant opportunity for tech entrepreneurs in the region.
InvestMidwest Venture Capital Forum
InvestMidwest is a premier venture capital conference in the Midwest, connecting innovative startups with investors seeking high-growth opportunities. The event features pitches from selected startups across various sectors, including agriculture, health, and digital technology. It's an excellent platform for startups seeking Series A funding to showcase their innovations to potential investors.
LaunchKC Grants Competition
LaunchKC is an initiative that invests more than $1 million annually in high-growth startups. Through its grants competition, LaunchKC offers $50,000 in funding, plus access to a host of support services, to innovative, early-stage tech startups willing to relocate to Downtown Kansas City, Missouri. It's an excellent opportunity for startups looking to scale their businesses in a supportive environment.
Connect With Investors in Kansas Using Visible
At Visible, we often times compare a fundraise to a B2B sales and marketing funnel. At the top of your funnel, you are finding new investors. In the middle, you are nurturing and pitching potential investors. At the bottom of the funnel, you are working through diligence and ideally closing new investors.
With the introduction of data rooms, you can now manage every aspect of your fundraising funnel with Visible.
- Find investors at the top of your funnel with our free investor database, Visible Connect and find a filtered list of Kansas's investors here.
- Track your conversations and move them through your funnel with our Fundraising CRM
- Share your pitch deck and monthly updates with potential investors
- Organize and share your most vital fundraising documents with data rooms
Manage your fundraise from start to finish with Visible. Give it a free try for 14 days here.
