We served over 235 startups from Kansas, as well as connected startups from 15 states and 3 countries to resources and growth opportunities in Kansas. Out of these startups served, they've raised $5.4M capital to date.
2024 Annual Report
We help
entrepreneurs
grow companies
of significance.
Community
1,257 startups
connected with community assets.
Capital
$905K mobilized
to help early-stage ventures succeed.
Customers
374 entrepreneurs
engaged with business and community customer prospects.
235 startups
from Kansas served
15 states & 3 countries
connected to resources and growth opportunities in Kansas
$5.4M capital
raised by the startups we've served
Alongside strong partners in 2024, NXTUS covered vital ground helping entrepreneurs build tomorrow’s great companies and fulfill their potential as superheroes of a thriving region.”
Mary Beth Jarvis, President and CEO, NXTUS
Read Video Transcript
Momentum. It’s a powerful force. Get going in the right direction, build up some speed, and you can go far. Alongside strong partners in 2024, NXTUS covered vital ground and created tremendous momentum with its work to help entrepreneurs build tomorrow’s great companies and fulfill their potential as the superheroes of a thriving region.
This summary shows the tremendous impact of NXTUS and its partners collaborating to do three things:
- Strengthen the community network supporting our region’s innovators,
- Prepare and help startups to access growth capital, and
- connect growth-minded entrepreneurs to customers.
And where does this momentum lead us? To a future – our ‘NEXT US’ – infused with innovation, where problem-solvers help us triumph over industry and community challenges and opportunity expands.
In 2024, major strides toward this vision for the future included connecting 1,257 startups to community assets, mobilizing $905,000 in growth capital for early-stage ventures, and engaging 374 entrepreneurs directly with growth opportunities and customer prospects.
As an inclusion organization, NXTUS strives to reach and embolden more innovators and problem-solvers, aided by partners from every corner of our community, state and region. NXTUS engages strategically to give diverse entrepreneurs the customized tools they need to build their companies.
Entrepreneurs are ‘all in’ to serve customers and improve their own lives, and that value-creation uplifts everyone. To all of you who backed NXTUS’ 2024 efforts, thank you. I hope you are invigorated by the momentum you’ve helped create in our region. Here’s to sprinting ahead for the good of all in 2025 and beyond!
This summary shows the tremendous impact of NXTUS and its partners collaborating to do three things:
- Strengthen the community network supporting our region’s innovators,
- Prepare and help startups to access growth capital, and
- Connect growth-minded entrepreneurs to customers.
Mary Beth Jarvis, President and CEO, NXTUS
”I came to NXTUS with just a proof of concept, unsure of my next steps. Their programs were key to building a business with a refined product offering centered around my customers.”
Entrepreneurial Spotlight
Kori DaCosta, founder of Biio, offers a contactless business card platform. He graduated from two NXTSTAGE programs in 2024 and continues to leverage NXTUS' community resources to fuel Biio’s growth.
“I came away plugged into a supportive community, armed with practical tools, and a clear vision for taking my business to new heights.”
Kori DaCosta, Founder, Biio
Our
Core
NXTUS’ priority is the entrepreneur.
We know each needs three things.
01
Comm
unity
NXTUS strengthens the support systems around growth-minded entrepreneurs and innovators, connecting them with experts and resources to fuel their success.
111community outreach events
Through hands-on support and programs with purpose, we connect founders to a strong peer network and mentorship, and provide an inclusive range of resources tailored to fuel their growth.
We roll up our sleeves to work statewide with dedicated partners like NetWork Kansas, K-State 105, Create Campaign, Groover Labs, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Wichita State University, Women's Business Development Center, Flagship Kansas, and many more. Our efforts continue to integrate with community-driven initiatives like Wichita Startup Week and Startup Grind, to build a vibrant ecosystem of support for all Kansas entrepreneurs.
”By working with community partners, we can guide entrepreneurs to resources, amplifying their potential and creating waves of economic opportunity.”Amber Dunn, Program Manager, NXTUS
51
counties
served
“We are doing together what we can’t do alone. We are co-creating a statewide ecosystem that gives entrepreneurs access to people, partners and expertise that they need to succeed. ”Jessica Gnad, Director, K-State 105
From NXTUS Partners
K-State 105
Through innovative programs and partnerships, K-State 105 is building stronger communities statewide by supporting entrepreneurs, expanding resources, and creating new growth opportunities to drive economic vitality across all counties in Kansas.
“Our K-State 105 partnership with NXTUS offers next-level support for entrepreneurs and small businesses in all 105 Kansas counties. As a next-generation land-grant university, Kansas State University has a mission to serve the people of Kansas, and what better way to fulfill that mission than to partner with NXTUS, an organization that is dedicated to building economic opportunity across the Sunflower State.”
NetWork Kansas
“At Network Kansas, we're honored to support the hard work NXTUS puts in to engage entrepreneurs all across the state—not just in Wichita or Kansas City—to connect them with key resources, connections, and incredible expert knowledge that will help them scale their businesses and fine-tune their product market offerings.”
“Whenever entrepreneurs sign up for NXTSTAGE programs, we know they will be met with warm support and practical mentorship.”Amara Kniep, Director, E-Community Partnership, Network Kansas
Wichita Startup Week
In 2024, six leading entrepreneurial support organizations—FlagshipKansas.tech, NXTUS, Wichita Independent Business Association, Wichita Startup Week, Create Campaign, and Startup Grind—united their once separate programs into a single, high-impact week. This partnership energized Kansas’ entrepreneurial ecosystem, bringing together startups, technology professionals, and educators for a packed schedule of events, speakers, and networking opportunities.
More than 1,000 participants engaged in sessions that elevated Wichita as a central hub for innovation and economic growth, underscoring the community's commitment to advancing Kansas’ entrepreneurial landscape.
Partners
Building Community Around Entrepreneurs
One of the early-stage companies connected to community resources by NXTUS in 2024 was Midwest Hemp Technology. Sarah Stephens, founder of MHT, experienced first-hand NXTUS’ dedication to supporting growth-minded entrepreneurs through her participation in three NXTUS programs.
“The support, real-time application of new knowledge, and connections with coaches and peers created action plans with lasting impacts on our business.”
“Completing three NXTUS programs in succession took us to the next level.”
Sarah Stephens, Founder, Midwest Hemp Technology
02
Cap
ital
NXTUS mobilizes risk capital in high-growth startups, while educating investors and entrepreneurs about investing at the early stage.
By providing risk capital and operational expertise, angel investors play a pivotal role in the growth of high-impact companies in Kansas.
We aim to enhance the mobilization of risk capital for entrepreneurs by cultivating and educating a diverse group of entrepreneurs and capital providers. Through our angel investing group, Accelerate Venture Partners, along with our two educational series—Capital Conversations and the Accessing Growth Capital Series—we are helping build a robust early-stage capital ecosystem in Kansas.
Mobilize
Accelerate Venture Partners
In 2024, the group surpassed $8M+ in capital mobilized since its inception in late 2018.
AVP By the Numbers
905K capital
in 10 deals, including 3 in Kansas and 2 in Wichita
250K
of mobilized capital going to traditionally underrepresented founders
52 AVP Members
42 investor members
10 observer members
28 companies pitched to AVP
“As someone who loves connecting people, I enjoy sharing my fondness for AVP with business colleagues and friends. I have also frequently invited my adult children, who are young professionals, to AVP meetings. Recently, I transitioned to an investor member and am excited to invest in the startups that pitch each month.”
“Being an AVP Observer member was energizing and expanded my startup investing knowledge.”Phillip Jordan, Alloy Architecture, AVP member
Portfolio Highlight
“AVP's support opens up growth opportunities for us across the Midwest.”Manuela Zoninsein, Founder, Kadeya
AVP Sponsors
“Partnering with AVP has given us a front row to the amazing startup talent we have in the Midwest. By supporting the resources AVP provides to these early-stage entrepreneurs, we are all making Wichita and the region stronger.”Melissa Moodie, Hinkle Law, AVP Sponsor
Educate
Accessing Growth Capital Series
In its second year, Accelerate Venture Partners continues to partner with Entrepreneurial Growth Ventures for the Accessing Growth Capital Series. Since its inaugural launch in 2023, the program has served 22 Kansas founders.
The program aims to educate early-stage entrepreneurs on how investors will evaluate their business and the mechanics of raising outside capital.
Local and regional founders in the community and across Kansas are given access to capital providers, such as Accelerate Venture Partners and GrowKS, with the goal of teaching the cohort what investors look for in startups when considering investment.
2024 AGCS Cohort Graduate
“We value the support and education AGCS offers to entrepreneurs going through the capital-raising journey.
“The speed-dating sessions with investors provided critical insights and connections that will be instrumental to our growth.”
Hessam Vali, Founder, Optegrity Solutions
03
Custo
mers
Through strategic connections across Kansas, NXTUS empowers startups to secure key early customers, fueling rapid growth and building a strong foundation for long-term success.
2024 marked a year of expanded impact for NXTUS, as we empowered more Kansas entrepreneurs through our NXTSTAGE Startup Programs, driving innovation, fostering growth, and reshaping the business landscape across the state.
NXTSTAGE by the numbers 2024
333 competitors
for NXTSTAGE Startup Programs
111 startups
connected with customer prospects
58 cohort members
across 5 programs
NXTSTAGE Impact to Date
177 jobs
created or retained
1.7M
revenue
generated
50
counties
served
Industries Served
Pilot Competitions
The NXTSTAGE Pilot Competitions invite innovative startups from across the nation and globe, showcasing technologies ready to elevate Kansas businesses and communities.
These initiatives are positioning Kansas as 'the Air Capital turned Pilot Capital,' a dynamic proving ground where ideas take flight and shape the future of the region.
73% of pilot competition applicants had minority and/or female founders
89% of the finalists had ethnic minority and/or female founders or co-founders
Community Health & Vibrancy
Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, the NXTSTAGE Community Health & Vibrancy Pilot Competition connected top startups with Kansas communities to tackle their most pressing health and growth challenges through innovation.
The program brought 10 innovative companies to Kansas, focused on initiatives like women’s and maternal health, veteran career pathways, holistic care, early skin cancer detection, citizen engagement, and gamified addiction recovery. During the program, three pilot projects were launched, with many more in development to address critical community needs across the state.
Pilot Partners
Partner Highlight
“This opportunity affords us something we would otherwise never have had access to: upcoming entrepreneurs with amazing ideas on how to move the needle for a plethora of healthcare issues.”
“The work NXTUS does to foster Entrepreneurship is making a difference for Kansas!”Lisse Regehr, President & CEO, Thrive Allen County
2024 CHV FINALISTS
“We had a great opportunity to network with some of the other start up founders from around the world.”
“We have continued engagement with them—partnerships with them to continue moving forward for both our organization and for theirs.”
Tim Den Hoed, Founder, Major TalentFinancial Technology
The Financial Technology Pilot Competition matched Kansas banks with innovative tech solutions designed to strengthen their resilience and competitiveness in an increasingly digital landscape.
From a field of 131 competitors from 19 states and 16 countries, seven finalists emerged in the Financial Technology Pilot Competition, each offering solutions to empower regional banks and financial institutions. These innovative technologies spanned from investments-as-a-service to high-security voice authentication, showcasing a wide range of tools to meet the evolving needs of Kansas' banks.
Partner Highlight
“The Kansas Bankers Association is proud to partner with NXTUS for their NXTSTAGE Fintech Forum for the second year in a row.”
“Finding the most up-to-date technology is paramount not only for Kansas banks, but for community banks across the country, and NXTUS is on the cutting edge of identifying game winning solutions.”Doug Wareham, President and CEO of Kansas Bankers Association
Kansas-Based Programs
Customer Traction Cohort
Presented by
In its third year of running, the 2024 NXTSTAGE Customer Traction Cohort graduated an additional 21 growth-minded, tech-enabled Kansas entrepreneurs from diverse communities—urban, rural, small-market, and urban-distressed—maintaining 75% program diversity.
Through customized coaching and workshops, pariticpating founders honed their product-market fit, refined pricing strategies, identified priority customers, and celebrated alongside nearly 200 community leaders at the Gamechangers & Champions graduation event featuring Mitch Holthus, voice of the Kansas City Chiefs.
21 early-stage Kansas companies
75% of the participating startups have ethnic minority and/or female founders
80 Net Promoter Score
Cohort Member Highlight
Through his participation in the Customer Traction Cohort, Brian was able to receive:
- 1:1 mentorship with coaches and NXTUS team members
- Share challenges and advice during workshop sessions
- The opportunity to make local connections and strategize
“The program provided great value by challenging us to look at the riskiest assumption of our business and address it head on. Then, it gave us a plan on how to work through each of those risks.”Brian Howell, Founder, The Bar Management Solutions
Enterprise Engagement Series
In partnership with NetWork Kansas, NXTUS built upon our momentum of providing the 2024 Enterprise Engagement Series to entrepreneurs statewide for a third year. A record-breaking 14 Enterprise Partners and 21 participated in the series, bridging knowledge and access gaps between early-stage companies and the established enterprises they hope to someday partner with.
62% Minority or female founders participating
100 Net Promoter Score
Cohort Member Highlight
Raymond Love, Founder of Top Gun Concrete Lifting, leveraged the Enterprise Engagement Series to expand his customer base and grow his business. Through workshops like those with the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County, he gained valuable tools and connections, enabling him to establish relationships with cities and counties across Kansas.
“My time with NXTUS has lead to opportunities with municipalities and large industrial prospects that otherwise I likely would not of had.”
“NXTUS provides insight and tools for small businesses like mine to successfully connect with large corporations.”Raymond Love, Founder, Top Gun Concrete Lifting
Enterprise Partner Highlight
“We enjoy the communities we serve and like to give back, so it's great to provide guidance and interact with entrepreneurs who are doing the same thing we and most other companies did to start our businesses.”Joe Surmeier, President & CEO, Professional Engineering Consultants
Enterprise Partners
Special thanks to our 2023 NXTSTAGE Enterprise Engagement Series Sponsors!
Opportunity Wichita
New in 2024
Childcare Cohort
In collaboration with the Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center, NetWork Kansas, and Grow Hays, NXTUS launched the Childcare Entrepreneur Growth Cohort to support childcare providers in Northwest Kansas with targeted business development resources and operational guidance.
Over a six-week program, funded by K-State 105, the cohort received 1:1 virtual coaching and engaged in bi-weekly workshops, focusing on their unique business needs to enhance their confidence and entrepreneurial skills.
Partners
4 workshops
9 cohort members
Our
Board
Erik
Pedersen
Pedersen
Chair
President and Chief Operating Officer, NetWork Kansas
John
Messman
Messman
Vice Chair
Principal Partner, Messman Group LLC
Trish
Brasted
Brasted
Treasurer
President, Entrepreneurial Growth Ventures, a division of NetWork Kansas
Luis
Rodriguez
Rodriguez
Secretary
President, TEC Systems Group
Abel
Frederic
Frederic
Vice President of Community Impact, United Way of the Plains
Gary
Oborny
Oborny
Chairman & CEO, Occidental Management
Josh
Oeding
Oeding
Founder and General Partner, Tenzing Capital
V. Kaye
Monk-Morgan
Monk-Morgan
President and Chief Executive Officer, Kansas Leadership Center
Evan
Rosell
Rosell
Executive Vice President of Operations for the Greater Wichita Partnership
Tonya
Witherspoon
Witherspoon
Associate Vice President, Industry Engagement and Applied Learning, Wichita State University
Part
ners
In 2024, our valued NXTUS partners continue to play a pivotal role in propelling Kansas toward a future marked by growth and prosperity.
They remain dedicated to driving our initiatives, bolstering our support for entrepreneurs, and fortifying the startup ecosystem, all with the goal of enhancing the region's active engagement in the innovation economy.
Leading Supporters & Gold Partners
Opportunity Wichita
Gary Oborny
Jeff Turner
Silver Partners
Fidelity Bank
Gene and Yolanda Camarena
LANGE Companies
Evergy
Networked for Change
Entrepreneurial Growth Ventures
Hinkle Law
Bronze Partners
Capacity
Todd Farha
Steve Hayes
Kansas Health Foundation
Kent Audio-Visual
OneSource Technology
Syndeo
Community Partners
CK Communications
Bruce G. Cochener Foundation
Kent Audio-Visual
Textron Aviation
Alloy Architecture
Kansas Health Science University
DCI
OneRise Health Center
Forvis
Berry Companies
Cargill
Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce
Hutton
K.U. School of Medicine, Wichita Medical Practice Association
Koch Supplier Strategies
Meritrust Credit Union
Professional Engineering Consultants
Spirit Aerosystems
U.S.D. 259 Wichita Public Schools
Wichita Shredding