All Edward Kepler wanted was a slice of pizza.
Kepler—founder of Phenomics Labs—is one of five startups participating in the inaugural Iowa AgriTech Accelerator. Each founder is finalizing their pitch presentation for demo day at 9 a.m. on Oct. 17 at the World Food Prize. Each founder will pitch their company and its product for between five to eight minutes during the 90-minute event.
Each founder in the Iowa AgriTech Accelerator has a room at the Staybridge Hotel in downtown Des Moines, within walking distance from the AgriTech Accelerator offices on Walnut Street.
One night after work, Kepler said he wanted a slice of pizza and heard Fongs was known for its pizza.
“How do they not deliver?” Kepler says laughing. “Fongs should deliver. I would have paid double for a pizza delivered. Maybe that can be my pivot, delivery for Fongs. That would make a ton of money.”
All joking aside, Kepler says he’s enjoyed his time in Des Moines but has yet to eat pizza from Fongs.
Did Des Moines treat you well?
Kepler said he’s been impressed with Des Moines and specifically, the East Village.
“It’s got an old school feel to it,” Kepler says. “I’m originally from Chicago so I like the East Village because it reminds me of Chicago.”
Kepler says he’s also attended a few concerts at Wooly’s and if his two kids make the trip to Des Moines, he’s taking them to Zombie Burger and Raygun.
Ted Hinton—founder of Hintech—says the Ceviche Bar is like, “A Cuban Cheers.”
“Being in Des Moines is like a pair of comfortable shoes,” Hinton says. “I don’t venture out as much as I should. I have spent some time in the East Village, it’s really cool and is this new hip place.”
Zack James—founder of Rabbit Tractors—said he was impressed by the Sculpture Park.
“You wouldn’t think Des Moines has that much art,” James says. “Once you actually go look, it’s pretty world renown and is comparable to a lot of bigger cities.”
Has it been worth relocating to Des Moines?
As a native of Indiana, James said he would like to headquarter his company in Des Moines.
“Des Moines makes a lot of sense,” James explains. “The colleges and engineering schools, I’m right in the middle of my customers market and the community support is pretty great. It’s something I’ve never seen in Indiana.”
James believes the AgriTech Accelerator will benefit him not only short-term, but long-term as well.
“Before I got here this was just an idea in my head that I thought it made a lot of sense,” James says. “But I was still questioning when I got it out and showed it to the right people what would happen. This gave me a chance to do that.
“And I think it will benefit me years from now,” he continues. “I have a direct line to guys at John Deere, something most startups don’t have. If I could come back here in the future, I’m connected to a community already.”
Companies participating in the Iowa AgriTech Accelerator receive intensive mentoring and $40,000 in seed funding.