What makes some cities better places to start and scale a company, and what can Midwest startup communities learn from one another?
Drawing on experiences in Louisville, Minneapolis, and Milwaukee, this panel explores how regions turn their unique strengths, from industry concentration and research institutions to founder networks and investment capital, into advantages for growing companies.
A central thread is the path from first check to growth capital. How do regions build the investor relationships and support systems that help startups raise successive rounds, attract customers and talent, and scale without relocating? What initiatives have actually moved the needle, and what hasn't worked?
Through real examples and lessons learned, the discussion will surface practical ideas that founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders in Kansas City and other Midwest markets can apply.