While consumer tech often grabs headlines, a quieter but powerful movement is reshaping America’s industrial core—and Iron Prairie Ventures is leading the charge.
The Kansas City-based venture capital firm has launched a $15 million fund to support early-stage industrial tech startups. These are companies transforming outdated systems in construction, manufacturing, infrastructure, logistics, and supply chain sectors. Iron Prairie’s mission is clear: back practical innovators who are building the tools that power America’s industrial future.
“This is the right time to bet on America’s reindustrialization,” said Maggie Kenefake, founder and General Partner at Iron Prairie Ventures. “With domestic production gaining momentum and technologies like AI and automation becoming more accessible, the industrial sector is ripe for disruption.”
Backing Builders, Not Buzz
Kenefake isn’t new to the industrial world. With over 30 startup investments already under her belt, she brings a deep bench of experience and a strong network of industrial insiders. These include corporate leaders, seasoned engineers, and Midwest operators who know how to build sustainable companies—not just flashy ones.
Iron Prairie’s new fund will support around 25 startups, offering initial checks between $250,000 and $650,000. But this isn’t just about capital. The firm gives founders direct access to Fortune 1000 partners across the Midwest and deep industry expertise from people who’ve worked on factory floors, not just in boardrooms.
Why Now? Industry Is Ripe for Reinvention
The industrial sector makes up 20% of the U.S. economy, but a McKinsey report shows nearly 70% of these companies lag in digital transformation. That gap presents a massive opportunity for founders building tech that solves real-world problems—especially as domestic production gains strategic importance.
Iron Prairie Ventures aims to bridge that gap with startup investments that target core inefficiencies across America’s industrial value chain.
Meet the Industrial Tech Stars
The firm’s portfolio already includes 14 industrial startups across the U.S., each focused on solving critical bottlenecks:
- Arvist (Chicago) – Builds autonomous systems to optimize warehouse operations.
- Bastazo (Fayetteville) – Provides AI-driven cybersecurity for operational tech systems.
- SysGit (Los Angeles) – Offers a Git-style engineering platform for collaborative systems design.
- Agloma (New York) – Automates real estate feasibility and planning, reducing costs and speeding up development.
These aren’t generic SaaS companies—they’re building the backbone of the future industrial economy.
Founders Back the Iron Prairie Approach
Iron Prairie’s network-first, no-hype philosophy is earning praise from founders and partners alike.
“Maggie’s vision and depth of industry experience give startups like ours a huge advantage,” said Nilay Parikh, CEO of Arvist. “They’re not just investors—they’ve been in the trenches and understand the challenges we face in scaling an industrial startup.”
Jeff Placek, CFO at McCownGordon, agrees: “Maggie brings a strategic edge. Her insights and Midwest network help founders grow smarter and faster.”
Rebuilding What Matters
Iron Prairie Ventures isn’t looking for the next social app or consumer fad. Their sights are set on something deeper—rebuilding America’s industrial foundation for a smarter, more resilient future.
