First-Round Judge: Bernie Stone
About Bernie Stone Bernie Stone is the Managing Owner at Strategery Holdings, and the President at Strategic Scouts Consulting where he solves clients’ challenging problems to Bring Order to Chaos. Bernie is a dedicated volunteer and plays an active role in many organizations including FedTech, NASDAQ Mentor Makers, Veterati, is a Member of the Iowa […]
First-Round Judge: Mike Upah
About Mike Upah Mike Upah is the Director of the Ames Seed Capital Fund, an early-stage venture capital fund which makes equity investments in business growing in Central Iowa. In his role he has responsibilities for evaluating investment opportunities, communicating with portfolio companies, and managing the operations of the Fund. Concurrently, Upah serves as the […]
First-Round Judge: Ryan Peterson
About Ryan Peterson Ryan Peterson is the founder and President of Impact7G, and environmental and sustainability company based in Johnston, IA. Impact7G was formed in 2011 as a professional consulting firm offering diverse services to a variety of clients in the public, private and governmental sectors. With staff in 18 states and projects completed in […]
Eligibility Requirements for the InnoVenture Challenge
Who should apply? If you are an entrepreneur building an early-stage information technology, bioscience, or advanced manufacturing startup in Iowa, you are eligible to win the $100,000 prize. A few important points: We define “Information Technology” as any software or technology-oriented company. That includes startups in fin-tech, insure-tech, fem-tech, ag-tech – you name it. We […]
How to Win the InnoVenture Challenge
First Round: Keep it Simple Your primary goal in the initial round of this competition is to get to the next round – that is, to score within the Top 10. The best way to do this is by focusing on business fundamentals. Consider reading through our first-round judges’ insights (posted here, here, here, here […]
Tips for a Winning Application from Megan Brandt
1. Please tell us a bit about yourself and your experience working with startups: Currently, I am the director of Maple Studios, a startup studio based in West Des Moines for industrial technology startups and early-stage companies. I spent the last 10 years split between the Global Insurance Accelerator in downtown Des Moines and Workiva […]
Tips for a Winning Application from Levi Rosol
1. Please tell us a bit about yourself and your experience working with startups: My name is Levi Rosol, and I have worked with startups for the last decade or more. I co-founded 3 different startups of varying successes, and have worked with dozens of others over the years. 2. What are the three (3) things […]
Tips for a Winning Application from Bernie Stone
1. Please tell us a bit about yourself and your experience working with startups: Joined the Army and travelled the world. The entire time I actively invested in the stock market and did well enough to retire at the age of 45. Now own a consulting company and a small investment firm for angel and […]
Tips for a Winning Application from Gregg Barcus
1. Please tell us a bit about yourself and your experience working with startups: I’ve been in the entrepreneurial world in Iowa for over 30 years. I’ve run a seed capital fund, established the first technology incubator in Iowa (including raising two small seed funds to support its operations), advised institutional investors, and served as […]
Tips for a Winning Application from Liz Keehner
1. Please tell us a bit about yourself and your experience working with startups: Currently, I am a Senior Associate with Next Level Ventures in Des Moines. My role is overseeing deal flow and investments in Iowa. I have been investing in and/or working with startups in an operational capacity since the beginning of my […]
