McKee, Voorhees & Sease Becomes The First Golden Grade Sponsor To Ag Startup EngineMay 21, 2020 AMES, Iowa, May 12, 2020 – Ag Startup Engine (ASE), at the Iowa State University (ISU) Research Park, announced that it is welcoming their first Golden Grade Sponsor, McKee, Voorhees & Sease (MVS), a Des Moines, Iowa Intellectual Property boutique law firm of attorneys specializing in procurement and enforcement of patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and more, is excited to support ASE’s efforts in early seed financing and mentorship of agricultural entrepreneurs and Iowan innovation. The Ag Startup Engine effort was launched over three years ago to help address two fundamental gaps that prevent agricultural startups and entrepreneurs from being more successful in Iowa: early, seed-stage investment and organized mentorship from renowned Iowan and Midwestern entrepreneurs. “McKee, Voorhees & Sease (MVS) is excited to support the Ag Startup Engine and the great work it is doing to fund AgTech entrepreneurs and startups and help them towards success through mentorship and financial support,” said Luke T. Mohrhauser, Partner and Co-Chair of the Mechanical and Electrical Practice Group at MVS. “This organization will ensure the continued growth and evolution of AgTech in Iowa and beyond, now and into the future.” “The Golden Grade Sponsorship supports the operational efforts of ASE while exclusively connecting our portfolio company founders to the sponsor,” said Joel Harris, co-director of ASE. “This includes providing subsidized services like office space at the ISU Research Park to startups in the portfolio and educational insights critical to a startup’s success. We’re excited to bring MVS into our processes for evaluating and assessing opportunities in AgTech.” Other sponsor levels are available including Silver Planter and Platinum Harvester. Ag Startup Engine is actively looking for companies to finance and accept into their program. ← Return to News & Events