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Heidi Lehmann

Overview​

Heidi Lehmann is a strategic director for LIGO partners, a family office with approximately $900 million assets under management. She's also the chair for Tiger 21 and has an entrepreneurial background. While relatively new to Kansas City, she's involved with significant initiatives including a $5 billion Critical Materials project related to cobalt and nickel reserves. Heidi joined the call with Gary, Troy Carlson, and Ian Wylie Hedrick on May 20, 2025 to discuss Kansas City development opportunities.

Background & Professional Details​

  • Strategic director at LIGO partners (family office with ~$900 million AUM)
  • Chair for Tiger 21
  • Self-described "entrepreneur at heart" who has been working with family offices
  • Recently moved to Kansas City from Miami/New York
  • Works on diverse investments including "equities to real estate, secondaries, roll-ups"
  • Connected to higher-level financial and business circles in Kansas City

Professional Focus​

  • Family office investments and strategic direction
  • Critical Materials initiative ($5 billion project related to cobalt/nickel reserves in Kansas City)
  • Smart cities and IOT (Internet of Things) technology
  • Connection between traditional investment and emerging technologies
  • Works with Brian Weinberg on impact fund initiatives

Connection to Gary​

  • Introduced by Ian Wylie Hedrick on May 20, 2025
  • Brief initial interaction before she had to leave the call early
  • Potential connector to Kansas City financial networks and development initiatives
  • Could provide linkage between Gary's innovative approaches and Kansas City investment community

Personal Insights​

  • Concise and to-the-point in communication style
  • Practical about making connections that align with specific needs
  • Understands both traditional finance and emerging technology landscapes
  • Values proper introductions and careful approach to established networks
  • Adaptable to new locations and opportunities

Potential Collaboration Areas​

  • Connecting Gary to financial and strategic partners in Kansas City
  • Critical Materials initiative related to energy resources
  • World Cup virtual/web3 components through Rich Chongong connection
  • Smart city and IOT implementations
  • KC Digital Drive integration with innovative approaches

Key Quotes​

"I know he did a lot of impact fund work in D.C. Brian Weinberg. I work with him on something here called Critical Materials, like a five billion dollar initiative."

"Casey Digital Drive, which is kind of the official home right now for the Kansas City Dow, Aaron Deacon. I'm thinking, you know, he's probably involved in some of this Freedom City initiative as well."

"These people, they're just they're very buttoned up."

Interactions​

  • 2025-05-20: Brief participation in video call with Gary, Troy Carlson, and Ian Wylie Hedrick. Discussed Kansas City development opportunities and potential connections. Had to leave early but expressed willingness to help.

Transcripts​

Transcript IDDateSummary
2025-05-20-kansas-city-world-cup-opportunity2025-05-20Discussion about Kansas City development opportunities, World Cup 2026, and potential connections to KC financial networks

Next Steps​

  • Follow up about potential connections to KC Digital Drive (Aaron Deacon)
  • Learn more about her work with Brian Weinberg and the Foundation for Regeneration
  • Explore potential collaboration on the Critical Materials initiative
  • Determine appropriate approach for World Cup-related introductions
  • Consider her as a potential connector to "buttoned up" Kansas City leadership