At Royal Street Ventures, we have a particular interest in Kansas City’s startup ecosystem and  it is showing some great momentum in early 2025. The volume of venture-backed companies originating in the area can be hit and miss, but KC is building on a solid foundation established in the last decade. As a Kansas City-based venture capital firm, we are always seeking opportunities outside traditional coastal tech hubs, and KC startups have been a big part of our story.

2024 Funding Landscape: A Year of Growth

Before diving into 2025’s activity, it’s worth examining the funding environment that set the stage for our current momentum. In 2024, Kansas City’s startup ecosystem demonstrated some resilience and growth despite broader economic challenges. In truth, the entire market for venture backed startups, particularly those outside of the coasts, has been challenging since 2023. With that said, the KC market has had some resilience.

The tech sector in particular showed impressive strength, with Kansas City recognized for its tech job growth. According to research from the Kansas City Area Development Council, the city projected a 20.5% increase in tech jobs between 2019 and 2024. This growth created fertile ground for startups to launch and scale during a difficult period. While complete data for 2024 is still being compiled, the funding landscape showed signs of stabilization compared to previous years. 

2025 Startup Funding Announcements

The first quarter of 2025 has already seen several noteworthy funding announcements, signaling continued investor confidence in Kansas City startups:

dScribe AI Lands a $1.2 Million Pre-Seed Round

In a significant early 2025 funding announcement, Kansas City startup dScribe AI closed a $1.2 million pre-seed round led by a coalition of regional venture capital firms. The investment was backed by key local investors including KCRise Fund, Abstraction Capital, and Flyover Capital, along with Redbud VC and EquipmentShare from Columbia, Missouri – marking the first time this particular group of investors has collaborated on a deal. At Royal Street Ventures we were particularly excited about this one because dScribe was co-founded by one of our University Venture Fund graduates, Warren Wang.

Launched in September 2024, dScribe is transforming how developers and enterprises utilize video and rich-media content. The company’s platform and API turns video from various sources into actionable insights. Co-founders Jordan Mryyan (CEO), Cole Robertson (CTO), and Warren Wang are using the funds to advance their technology, expand their product suite, and drive customer growth and strategic partnerships.

Invary Builds Momentum

Invary, a Lawrence-based cybersecurity company recognized in Startland News’ “Startups to Watch in 2024” list, and a Royal Street Ventures portfolio company, continues to build on its momentum in 2025. The company raised a $1.85 million pre-seed round led by Flyover Capital in 2023, and announced a $3.5M seed round in February.

Led by Jason Rogers (CEO), Dr. Perry Alexander, and Dr. Wesley Peck (CTO), Invary specializes in detecting hidden malware and preventing ransomware attacks. The company’s Runtime Integrity offering is designed to uncover and neutralize threats that elude modern detection systems. After its initial funding success, Invary is making strides in the cybersecurity space in 2025.

Several Other Companies in the Area Draw Investor Interest

Trially, an AI-powered clinical trials platform that precisely matches patients to trials and trials to sites, has secured new funding in early 2025. Founded by Kyle McAllister, Trevor Welch, and Ramon Prieto, the company automates the lengthy, manual process of identifying eligible trial participants.

Marma, an OB-GYN and registered dietician-approved nutrition platform for women during their fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum journey, has secured additional funding in 2025 to expand its operations. Founded by Meredith Evans McAllister and Victoria Weber, the company was selected as one of Startland News’ “Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2025.” Marma has already established a significant partnership through the NXTSTAGE competition, earning a pilot project with Hodgeman County Economic Development to bring its women’s health expertise to their community.

In RSV’s view, the Kansas City venture-backed startup ecosystem is continuing to mature. The increasing flow of venture capital into the region validates its status as an emerging innovation hub. With strong support systems, growing investor interest, and a diverse array of promising startups, Kansas City is off to a great start this year.

The flurry of early 2025 funding announcements suggests that investors are again seeing value in the region’s entrepreneurs and their solutions, and we are excited about this. To a great 2025!