Venture for America abruptly closes; ending fellowship that matched talent with KC startups, VCs [Video]

A coast-to-coast fellowship program that sought to reinvigorate communities — including Kansas City — by pairing recent college graduates with emerging startups, investment firms, and nonprofits has unexpectedly ceased operations, leaders with Venture for America announced this week.

“While this chapter for our national organization is closing, the spirit and impact of VFA will endure through our incredible community,” Carrie Murphy, CEO of Venture For America, told Startland News. “We remain optimistic about the future and are committed to exploring ways to continue our mission in new and innovative forms.”

The two-year fellowship program had partnered with a range of Kansas City tech companies and venture capital firms to give young talent an opportunity to gain entrepreneurial and startup experiences.

From the archives: Venture for America fellows bringing diversity of thought to KC tech, investment firms

Its sudden closure comes as VFA faced “economic headwinds and shifting priorities” that caused ongoing fundraising challenges, said Murphy, who took …