Angel investor group last year injected $2.8 million in area startups

The Mid-America Angels, an angel investment group based in the Kansas City area, said Tuesday that it provided $2.8 million in funding last year to nine area startups and high-growth businesses.

The network said 75 private investors participated in the group, and their capital outlay rose $500,000 from their 2014 investments. Funding grew in part because the network reached out to Manhattan, Kan., and St. Joseph, Mo., to find investors and entrepreneurs needing early-stage business funding.

“We’re proud to be the oldest and largest angel group in the Kansas City metro area and also a source of advice, expertise and partnership for our portfolio companies,” said Rick Vaughn, the group’s managing director. “The over 120 angel investors in our network deserve credit for that reputation as they drive our investment process and invest their time helping our portfolio companies grow.”

Separately, the Women’s Capital Connection, an affiliate group designed to connect women investors and women business founders, provided $745,000 of capital for eight companies, five of which were led by women.

Some examples of angel funding recipients — male- and female-led companies — last year were Elias Animal Health, Hilary’s Eat Well, EyeVerify, Angaza Design, Portfolia and Rawxies.

Mid-America Angels, which is managed by the Enterprise Center of Johnson County, was founded in 2006. Since then, it has made 70 investments totaling more than $18 million. Individuals interested in becoming a member of the angel network or applying for funding may get more information at www.midamericaangels.com.

This story was originally published January 19, 2016 at 10:31 AM with the headline "Angel investor group last year injected $2.8 million in area startups."