Iron Prairie Ventures

?? Supply Chain Investments: The Rising Star in VC Funding ?? Exciting news from the world of venture capital! A recent Logistics Viewpoints article reveals that supply chain investments are making waves: ? 15-20% of total VC funding now goes to supply chain firms and technologies ? $15.4 billion invested in supply chain tech in 2024 alone ? Amazon committing $1 billion to next-gen supply chain tech Key trends: 1. Delivery companies attracting significant capital 2. Verticalized solutions gaining traction 3. Warehouse automation and robotics on the rise The article suggests a positive correlation between investment volume and ROI in this sector. With over 150 supply chain startups acquired in the last two years, it's clear that this industry is ripe for innovation and disruption. #SupplyChainTech #VCInvesting #Innovation #FutureOfLogistics

At every BuiltWorlds event, I'm wowed by the insightful conversations being had and yesterday was no exception. I'm so proud to have shared the stage with Nils Wagner of REHAU, Rod Lacy, PE of Exodigo and Omar S. of Blackhorn Ventures, with Sofie Richardson moderating our panel discussion about the evolving landscape of early-stage built-world investing. We covered everything from #AI's impact on valuations and investment interest to global #realestate challenges to #workforcedevelopment in the construction industry. Overall, the session underscored the importance of practical solutions and technology adoption in driving efficiency and sustainability within the built environment. Here were three of my favorite #constructiontech takeaways: 1?? While building with a platform or robust suite of products in mind is important, startups often need to lead with a point solution that can deliver high ROI quickly to gain traction. 2?? Low graduation rates from seed to Series A funding may be healthy, forcing companies to demonstrate value earlier and avoid developing solutions that aren't market-fit. 3?? Tight markets and lack of liquidity are impacting #venturecapital across all sectors, a trend that may continue into late 2025.

?????Exciting things happening in Logistics M&A! After the pandemic’s freight frenzy cooled off, deal-making is heating up again. The post-pandemic logistics landscape is finally finding its momentum: ?? Valuations have normalized from pandemic peaks ?? Logistics’ biggest recent deal: DSV's $12B Schenker acquisition ?? Deal velocity increasing: 12 $100M+ deals in H1 2024 vs 9 in all of 2023 Why is it exciting? The combination of: ? Stabilizing freight demand, creating predictable earnings ? Rising strategic buyer interest ? Cooling interest rates improving deal economics At Iron Prairie Ventures, we remain bullish on logistics and continue our commitment to our existing and future logistics start-ups in our portfolio. The sector’s fundamentals are strong, and the appetite for innovation has never been greater. Read more about it in this article from @Wall Street Journal ?? #VentureCapital #LogisticsTech #SupplyChain #IndustrialTech #Innovation #IronPrairieVentures

McKinsey & Company’s latest Supply Chain Risk Survey couldn’t be more timely. With so much at stake, this report reinforces how crucial risk management is—not just for big corporations but for early-stage investments, too. In venture capital, we're always balancing risk and reward. The survey shows that while companies make strides in resilience, 90% still face significant risks. This creates a huge opportunity for investing in solutions that enhance supply chain agility and sustainability. At Iron Prairie Ventures, we’re keen on startups tackling supply chain transparency, predictive analytics, and localized manufacturing. ?? These solutions aren’t just future-proof but game-changers for adding resilience across industries. For investors and operators alike, supply chain risk management is no longer optional—it’s essential. #supplychain #vc #ironpairieventures #startups

?? US Manufacturing's Next Chapter: A Historic Shift & Massive Investment Opportunity ???? Fresh data from the Economic Innovation Group confirms what we're seeing on the ground: US manufacturing isn't just recovering, it's transforming! For the first time since the 1970s, the sector has bounced back stronger from a recession–surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The Sun Belt is leading the charge, with TX, FL, GA, AZ, and UT accounting for 2/3 of all new manufacturing jobs. Transportation, food production, and semiconductor manufacturing are driving this growth, while traditional manufacturing hubs in the Rust Belt continue to face challenges. This geographic and technological shift signals prime conditions for industrial tech disruption. As investors in the future of manufacturing, we're particularly excited about: ? Reshoring momentum ? America’s manufacturing expansion ? Sun Belt’s emergence as the new industrial frontier The playbook for industrial tech innovation is being rewritten. Who’s ready to build? Read the full story from Axios to see how America's manufacturing landscape is being reshaped??? #VentureCapital #IndustrialTech #Manufacturing #Innovation #MadeInAmerica #IronPrairieVentures?

AI is transforming industries, and construction is no exception. From enhanced efficiency to improved safety, the future of construction is being reshaped by innovation. At Iron Prairie Ventures, we're excited about the opportunities that AI-driven solutions bring to our portfolio and the broader construction ecosystem. Check out this insightful Forbes article on how AI is revolutionizing the way we build! #AI #ConstructionTech #Innovation #IronPrairieVentures

We are so proud of Maggie Kenefake and to see Iron Prairie Ventures on this impressive list! Iron Prairie Ventures is the only firm from the middle of the country on the list, way to go IPV! ????

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible sponsors who make MidxMidwest possible!?Your support fuels innovation and empowers our local venture ecosystem. We couldn't create this transformative experience without you. ?? Special shoutout to: ?? Title Sponsor: Polsinelli ?? Visionary Partners: Flyover Capital, Iron Prairie Ventures, Full Scale, Kauffman Fellows, and University Venture Fund Crossroads. ? Accelerator Sponsors: Digital Health KC, JTC Group, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, KPMG, Missouri Technology Corporation, and The Baldwin Group. ?? Ecosystem Supporters: Avidbank, Black & Veatch, Circle Sideways, Collaborative Capital, Enterprise Center in Johnson County, Entrepreneurial Growth Ventures, Evergy Ventures, GrowthX, KCRise Fund, KU Innovation Park, LaunchKC, Mariner, Redbud VC, and Tech Venture Studio, Together, we're shaping the future of B2B Tech in the Heartland. Attendees, be sure to connect with our sponsors at the event!

Calling all Tech Founders! 2 days left to apply. We want to see you at MidxMidwest in Kansas City in November. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet an investor that could change the trajectory of your company. Join us for a day of impactful networking, insightful panels, and the chance to be part of something extraordinary. Spaces are limited. Apply now:?www.midxmidwest.com #MXMW #MidxMidwest #venturecapital #Kansas #Missouri #Iowa #Nebraska #Arkansas #Oklahoma #Tech #b2b #innovation #technology #LeanStartups #entrepreneurship #investors #founders

Reflecting on Iron Prairie’s attendance at NVNG’s Venture North Summit last week, we're excited by the opportunities emerging in dual-use and defense tech in the industrial Midwest. The early-stage momentum in dual-use innovation, combined with the U.S. government’s increasing focus on startups, is setting the stage for significant growth. As investors, we’re seeing how our region’s rich industrial expertise in hubs like Wichita, Detroit, and Pittsburgh can drive the next wave of national security and innovation. The dual-use and defense tech space is still in its early innings, and we believe the Midwest will play a key role in the next chapter. The potential here goes beyond government contracts—there are tangible opportunities in manufacturing, cyber security, aviation, space exploration, and more, making this space both patriotic and profitable. The Midwest’s strengths in engineering, manufacturing, and hardware development, coupled with the growing sense of responsibility to re-industrialize the country, make this a critical time to support defense and dual-use technologies. There is strong public and private alignment for technologies that contribute to the safety and resilience of the U.S. public. At Iron Prairie Ventures, we’re proud to back founders who are building cutting-edge solutions with the potential to impact both defense and commercial markets. We know the road ahead involves long procurement cycles, but we’re in it for the long haul, working to leverage the unique strengths of our region while helping shape the future of American defense and industry. The convergence of innovation, investment, and national security is where we see the next big leap forward, and we’re excited to be part of it. #defensetech #midwestinnovation #startups #nationalsecurity #venturecapital #dualuse?