INVESTMENT MEETING AGENDA 9.27.2023
InnoVenture Iowa will host its September Investment Committee meeting via Zoom (virtual) on Wednesday, September 27 at 6:30am. For general participation, a Zoom link is available in the agenda document: Meeting Agenda – 9-27
Meet the First-Round Judges
Derick Jiwan Levi Rosol Liz Keehner Megan Brandt Gregg Barcus Diana Wright Ann Dieleman Andrew Kirpalani Mikayla Mooney Tom Swartwood Bernie Stone Ryan Peterson Mike Upah Jay Cooper Adrienne Greenwald
First-Round Judge: Adrienne Greenwald
About Adrienne Greenwald Adrienne Greenwald is the Managing Principal at VentureNet Iowa where she guides entrepreneurs applying for Iowa’s innovation funding. She earned a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State University and an MA in Strategic Communication from The University of Iowa. Her checkered past includes a variety of campaigns, freelance writing, […]
First-Round Judge: Jay Cooper
About Jay Cooper Jay Cooper is an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder and founder of Cider Finder, an app and community designed to bring cider enthusiasts together with the cider makers and brands they love. Jay has been a fixture in eastern Iowa’s startup community since 2015 through his writing, mentoring other startup founders, and leading local […]
First-Round Judge: Derick Jiwan
About Derick Jiwan Derick Jiwan is an experienced business mentor with focus on innovation, go-to-market strategies and customer acquisition. He is versatile, thrives under unstructured and structured conditions and able to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds. Jiwan earned his Ph.D. from Washington State University in molecular plant sciences in 2011. While working on his […]
First-Round Judge: Levi Rosol
About Levi Rosol Levi Rosol, the CEO of We Write Code in Des Moines, Iowa, is a visionary entrepreneur and technology enthusiast who has been instrumental in shaping the city’s digital landscape. With a strong foundation in computer science and programming, Levi founded We Write Code to bridge the gap between creativity and technology. Under […]
First-Round Judge: Liz Keehner
About Liz Keehner Liz has over seven years of experience in startup operations, venture capital and economic development. Liz joined Next Level Ventures in 2021 from Ag Ventures Alliance, an early-stage AgTech investment firm, where she led deal flow, due diligence and investments. Prior to Ag Ventures, Liz worked at VentureNet Iowa, 1839 Ventures and […]
First-Round Judge: Megan Brandt
About Megan Brandt Megan is the Director of Maple Studios, a startup studio based in West Des Moines, Iowa for industrial technology startups and early-stage companies. The member-based support system at Maple Studios helps companies fast-track their development as a business by removing many of the challenges an entrepreneur typically faces with day-to-day administrative needs, […]
First-Round Judge: Gregg Barcus
About Gregg Barcus Gregg Barcus became an adjunct professor at the University of Iowa in 2016 and now teaches statewide for several UI JPEC entrepreneurial programs including Venture School, UI Innovators Workshop and the Washington Mandela Fellowship. He has worked with founders of startups from all across the state in a mentorship and coaching capacity. […]
First-Round Judge: Diana Wright
About Diana Wright Diana Wright, a dynamic force in the Des Moines business community, has left an indelible mark on the city’s entrepreneurial landscape. With a passion for innovation and a penchant for building successful ventures, Diana has become a driving force in the local business scene. Her journey as an entrepreneur has not only […]
