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 […]
State of the Fund: Summer ’23
It’s been a long road for some Iowa startups raising capital this year. Valuations are trending down, both local and regional funds are slowing investments, and lead investors seem to be more discerning (and reticent) than ever before. Many of our portfolio companies have adjusted their strategies to reach short-term profitability as their highest priority […]
Where Are They Now?
An Interview with Hawkeye Surgical Lighting, 2022’s InnoVenture Challenge Winner As a reminder, Hawkeye Surgical Lighting has developed the world’s first voice- and motion-controlled surgical headlight – and they took home last year’s $100,000 grand prize at the first inaugural InnoVenture Challenge. Our Investment Director, Kaylee Williams, had a chance to catch up with the […]
