Iowa Angel Investor Summit: Backing Big Ideas From Startup to Scale
Startup economist Paul O'Brien and Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day founder Monica Nassif to keynote Nov. 17
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Oct. 2, 2026) – The fifth annual Iowa Angel Investor Summit will bring together active and aspiring investors, entrepreneurs and startup leaders on Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Krause Gateway Center in Downtown Des Moines to connect, exchange ideas and explore what’s happening across Iowa’s startup community.
The Summit will feature two keynote speakers offering perspectives on building strong startup ecosystems and growing successful companies. Paul O’Brien, startup economist and author of “Startup Ecosystems,” will deliver the morning keynote, and Monica Nassif, entrepreneur, brand builder and founder and former CEO of Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, will deliver the afternoon keynote.
O'Brien's work examines why some regions consistently produce fundable companies and how the resources, experience and engagement surrounding entrepreneurs contribute to startup success. His keynote will explore the role investors can play beyond providing capital to help develop founders, strengthen deal flow and create greater economic impact.
Nassif founded Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day and grew the household cleaning brand to more than 20,000 stores nationwide before its acquisition by SC Johnson in 2008. Her keynote will bring an entrepreneur’s perspective to building and scaling a company and creating a brand that can compete nationally.
The Summit will also feature panel discussions, presentations and lightning talks focused on angel investing and entrepreneurship. Attendees will have opportunities to learn from experienced investors and business leaders, build connections and explore ways to support the growth of Iowa startups.
A pre-summit workshop on Monday, Nov. 16 will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This interactive session will introduce attendees to the fundamentals of angel investing. The workshop includes dinner and is free with registration.
"Startup investors play an important role in helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses,” said Diana Wright, Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at The Greater Des Moines Partnership. “As the Iowa Angel Investor Summit returns for its fifth year, we’re continuing to create a space for experienced and aspiring investors to connect, learn from one another and be part of the innovation happening across the Midwest.”
Additional speakers, session topics and event details will be announced soon.
Registration for the Summit is $65, which includes access to the pre-summit workshop, meals and networking sessions.
The event is organized by Plains Angels and The Partnership. It is sponsored by BrownWinick Law, Fredrickson & Byron Law, IdeaFund of Lacrosse and the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
Register for the Summit at the Iowa Angel Investor Summit's registration page and to learn more, contact Diana Wright, Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at The Partnership.
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About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving multiple counties in Greater Des Moines. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy. The Partnership was named Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), the chamber industry’s highest honor, and is accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.