Spotlight: Grace Trahan
Investing in Growth & Building Connections in Kansas City
Kansas City’s startup & investment landscape continues to attract top talent, and Grace Trahan is one of the latest rising professionals to make her mark. As an analyst at Five Elms Capital, Grace plays an important role in fueling the success of B2B software companies while embracing all that KC has to offer—both professionally and personally.
From Colorado to Kansas City
Originally from Colorado, Grace studied finance at the University of Colorado Boulder before landing a job at Five Elms Capital—an opportunity that brought her to KC.
“Kansas City felt like the ideal place to start my career—offering both a supportive community and a strong environment where I could continue to grow professionally.”
Five Elms Capital: Supporting High-Growth Companies
At Five Elms Capital, Grace analyzes and supports high-potential B2B software companies, helping them scale and reach new heights. Being part of an investment firm that actively contributes to the growth of innovative businesses has been both rewarding and dynamic.
“Being a part of a firm that supports companies as they grow is incredibly exciting. It’s a fast-paced environment where I get to work with entrepreneurs and investors, which makes every day different.”
Discovering KC’s Strong Sense of Community
One of the things that impressed Grace the most about Kansas City is how interconnected everyone is.
“Within just six months of moving here, I realized how small the world really is. I’ve had amusing chance encounters where people I met went to elementary school together, played on the same teams, or were even roommates at some point. It’s fascinating how connected everyone is.”
That tight-knit sense of community makes KC an ideal place to build relationships—both personally and professionally.
Plugging Into KC’s Entrepreneurial & Finance Scene
Since moving to Kansas City, Grace has prioritized building connections in the KC community.
- Engaging with Kansas City’s finance & tech networks
- Speaking at her alma mater (University of Colorado Boulder) about opportunities in KC
- Joining New2KC to meet other professionals in finance and tech
“A friend introduced me to New2KC, and it’s been a great way to meet new people in the finance and tech industries.”
A Love for KC’s Food Scene & Exploring the City
Beyond work, Grace has been diving into KC’s vibrant food scene—with Baramee Thai quickly becoming a favorite.
“I’m excited to continue discovering new restaurants around the city!”
When she’s not working or networking, she’s taking advantage of KC’s wide range of activities, from playing pickleball to catching a Royals game, exploring City Market, or visiting the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
“Kansas City has so many free attractions—the Nelson-Atkins Museum is free to the public, and the KC Streetcar makes it easy to get around and see different parts of the city.”
Advice for Newcomers to KC
“Kansas City is welcoming, and I’d encourage newcomers to dive in and try new things early. I’m glad I did!”
Looking Ahead
Grace is focused on continuing to build relationships in KC’s finance and tech communities—and seeing where those connections lead. We hope you’ll take the lead and connect with Grace on LinkedIn if you can be a resource as she gets better plugged into our beautiful city.
Stay tuned for next week’s #New2KC Spotlight on Kristin Jackson!
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