Wichita, KS, June 17, 2021: Groover Labs, a non-profit organization based in Wichita’s Old Town, launches VC Huddle, a networking event designed to develop relationships between national and regional venture capital firms and local entrepreneurs, investors, and startup ecosystem supporters. The inaugural VC Huddle will take place at Groover Labs, June 22-23.
Groover Labs supports growth in local startup activity through a collaborative space, community, and programming where entrepreneurs and tech workers can receive support, share ideas, and explore transformative technologies. Founders Curt Gridley and Tracy Hoover invite interested founders, tech ecosystem advocates, and potential investors to attend the upcoming events which are open to the public:
● Founders Forum
Tuesday, June 22, 5 pm – 7 pm | Groover Labs | $10
Tickets and more information available at grooverlabs.org/vchuddle
○ Local founders and entrepreneurs are invited to connect with members of the investment community in this networking event. This is a tremendous opportunity for individuals to create and build relationships with established entrepreneurs, capital investors, and members of the investment community.
● Investors Forum
Wednesday, June 23, 5 pm – 7 pm | Groover Labs | $10
Tickets and more information available at grooverlabs.org/vchuddle
○ Local, accredited investors are invited to learn more about investing in technology startups from seasoned investors. This is a tremendous opportunity for individuals to learn from the experiences of knowledgeable tech investors and gain key insights into technology investing.
Members of the Groover Labs mentor team and venture capitalists attending the inaugural VC Huddle include Balaji Gopinath (General Partner, Kubera Venture Capital, San Francisco), Dan Kerr (Partner, Flyover Capital, Kansas City), Mark Janzen (VP of Engineering, Avalara, Wichita), Greg White (Venture Partner, Kubera Venture Capital, Atlanta), Mary Kate Love (Director of Engagement, Koch Disruptive Technologies, Wichita), Josh Oeding (Founder & Managing Member, Accelerate Venture Partners, Wichita), Greg Giefer (Chief Sales Officer, DARI Motion, Wichita), and Dave Cunningham (CEO, Flint Hills Group, Wichita).
Groover Labs co-founder Curt Gridley stated, “Increasingly, venture capital funds seek to invest in high-growth startups away from the coasts and are actively looking to nurture startup ecosystems in the Heartland.” Gridley went on to say, “Groover Labs is excited to be introducing these seasoned investors, founders, and mentors from around the country to the Wichita ecosystem. This convergence can raise awareness and increase interest from the nationwide tech community in startup opportunities in our area.”
om Chapman (Chapman & Co.) recently unveiled the Accelerate Wichita Report, a vision for the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Chapman stated, “The Accelerate Wichita Report shows Wichita is the place for innovators, big thinkers, and risk-takers. The VC Huddle at Groover Labs is a great way to get these entrepreneurs in the same room together so they can continue promoting growth and creating investment opportunities.”
At its facility in Old Town Wichita, Groover Labs offers a vibrant blend of co-working, maker labs, classrooms, event space, and a wide variety of programs and mentorship to engage local entrepreneurs and investors. “We’ve been working for the past three years to establish and strengthen relationships with Wichita’s growing entrepreneurial community. Groover Labs has become a South Central Kansas hotspot for technology entrepreneurs,” stated Curt Gridley. “We’re excited now, as the pandemic recedes, to be launching the first of several new planned programs in 2021. This first event is extremely exciting and it is going to be an immense opportunity to connect innovative ideas to capital and support.”
Tom Chapman went on to say, “I’d recommend anyone interested in technology, startup, investment, and entrepreneurship attend the VC Huddle at Groover Labs this week. Gaining access to the founders attending this event, and the insight they can provide is a phenomenal resource for our innovators of tomorrow.”
Those interested in attending the VC Huddle June 22-23 can get more information and reserve tickets at grooverlabs.org/vchuddle.
