About
ManchesterStory is an early-to-growth stage venture capital firm founded in 2016 by Dave Miles and Matt Kinley, headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa—the heart of the nation's insurance industry. The firm deploys strategic capital to partner with founders, carriers, brokers, and investors reshaping insurance, financial services, and healthcare through technology innovation. ManchesterStory's investment thesis centers on InsurTech, FinTech, and HealthTech companies that drive meaningful change across these sectors. The firm operates with a distinctive membership model, backed by 24 insurance carriers, brokers, and wholesalers who provide not just capital but direct industry relationships and operational insight. This carrier-founder connection is foundational to the firm's value proposition—portfolio companies gain access to both growth capital and the distribution, customer acquisition, and credibility that established insurance industry relationships provide. ManchesterStory has made approximately 66 investments across its funds, including the MS Discovery Fund II and BrokerTech Fund, which focus on carrier and broker-centric innovation. The firm typically deploys checks up to $4 million and targets early-stage companies across the United States. Recent investments include Penguin AI (Series A, September 2025), and the portfolio includes companies like FinMkt, which was recognized as Best LendTech Solution at the Banking Tech Awards USA 2025. The firm's partnership model extends beyond capital deployment—founders gain structured access to the insurance carrier ecosystem, strategic guidance on go-to-market strategy within regulated industries, and operational support through a dedicated platform team. For investors and carriers, ManchesterStory offers deal flow in high-growth technology sectors reshaping legacy industries, with demonstrated exits providing evidence of value creation.