Jumpstart Inc.

On April 7 at the 2014 Northeast Ohio Entrepreneur Expo, four seasoned Midwest investors came together for a conversation about the challenges and opportunities companies in the middle of the country face when it comes to funding. The one-hour panel discussion, "Attracting Capital Between the Coasts," explored the changes in VC and angel investing in the U.S., and how these impact entrepreneurs in Ohio and in the Midwest. Topics the investors covered include the advantages of launching startups in the Midwest; where they see the funding landscape going in the future; and what stakeholders and legislators can do to encourage more investment in the coming years. Moderated by Crain’s Cleveland Business publisher John Campanelli, the panel featured Drive Capital Co-Founder Mark Kvamme, Allos Ventures Co-Founder and Managing Director John C. McIlwraith, JumpStart Inc. CEO Ray Leach and Draper Triangle Ventures Managing Director Jay Katarincic.