Ames Chamber of Commerce Announces New Ames Seed Capital Director

The Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission is pleased to welcome Mike Upah to the team as the Director, Ames Seed Capital.

Ames Seed Capital is an affiliate organization of the Ames Chamber of Commerce that provides funding for startup companies locating to the Story County area. In this role, Upah will oversee and manage all Ames Seed Capital operations.

“Ames Seed Capital is a tremendous resource for entrepreneurs in Central Iowa, not just as a source of capital, but also through the ability to access the talents and experience of the managers and investors in the fund,” says Upah. “Having helped a wide variety of startups gain funding from Ames Seed Capital, and witnessing firsthand the impact those investments made, I’m quite excited to serve in this role where I can once again assist entrepreneurs and impact our communities here in Central Iowa.”

Upah’s experience has long been within the startup community, having worked previously with the ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship helping startups gain funding from Ames Seed Capital. He concurrently serves as Chief Financial Officer of iSEEK Corporation, leading the finance and strategic business development efforts.

“The Ames Seed Capital is an integral part of our startup community here in Story County,” says Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce. “With all of his experience, I am excited to see where Mike leads the Fund as he dives into this new role.”
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Upah began his position on August 3 and can be contacted at mike@ameschamber.com.