Our Team
Syndicate Manager
New to Kansas, NXTUS, and Accelerate Venture Partners (AVP) in January 2024, Conor brings a wealth of experience from his background as a startup operator in Chicago and the banking sector in Boston to AVP’s mission of mobilizing capital for Heartland founders and enhancing the startup ecosystem in the region.
Conor is focused on initiatives to expand AVP membership, engage underrepresented investors, and enhance access to growth capital for Kansas entrepreneurs. Through programs like the Accessing Growth Capital Series, AVP helps founders become more investable by bridging knowledge gaps and providing resources to strengthen their businesses. Other efforts include angel educational events like the Capital Conversation Series, aimed at mobilizing new investors and showcasing startups across the state.
In his free time, Conor enjoys exploring the Heartland’s great outdoors, trying to swing a golf club, and playing guitar with his brothers in their band, ‘The Adler Brothers.’
Conor Adler
Mary Beth Jarvis
President & CEO of NXTUS
Mary Beth has served as NXTUS president and CEO since March 2023, providing overall leadership and oversight of the group’s entrepreneurship and innovation programs, including Accelerate Venture Partners. She has been an AVP investor member since 2019, joining soon after being hired as NXTUS’ Executive Director to launch the NXTSTAGE Startup Programs, which help startups grow by connecting them with Kansas businesses and communities as prospective customers.
Mary Beth previously led Wichita Festivals, spent 15 years in communication, public affairs and international relations for Koch Industries, and served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force. She is an active community leader for the Greater Wichita YMCA and Visit Wichita and was named one of 50 Kansans You Should Know, as well a Wichita Business Journal Power 50, Newsmaker, Innovator, and Hall of Fame honoree for the 40 Under 40 and Women in Business programs.
Elleigh Peters
Communication Coordinator
Elleigh is a Wichita native and a proud graduate of Kansas State University. Elleigh joined NXTUS in 2023 as a marketing and communications intern and stepped into the role of Communication Coordinator in January 2024.
Now in her second year with NXTUS, Elleigh leads marketing efforts for the organization, including its NXTSTAGE programs and Accelerate Venture Partners angel group. She manages all social media platforms, designs and deploys communication products, and executes community outreach strategies. Elleigh also collaborates closely with community partners, leading the NXTUS Program Advisors Group and working with other organizations to plan and execute events that equip Kansas entrepreneurs with the tools and resources to succeed.
Outside of work, Elleigh is a dance instructor at Kelcy’s Dance Studio, where she teaches acro classes to students of all ages. In her free time, she enjoys staying active through hot yoga, exploring new restaurants around Wichita, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Junior Analyst
A Wichita-native and recent graduate, Jacob worked a brief stint as a Data Analyst after graduating with a degree in Finance from Wichita State University. While in school, Jacob was involved with multiple ministry organizations and business clubs. He spent time developing management dashboards and KPIs for the Barton School of Business’ Bloom Plan and finished his time at the university as the Student Body Treasurer. With a love for investments and entrepreneurship, he sought ways of getting involved with Accelerate Venture Partners. Through his continued experience and exposure as a Junior Analyst, Jacob has cherished the lessons and learning curve AVP has offered.
Outside of work, Jacob enjoys playing pickleball, billiards, and spending time with friends & family. Jacob also likes to read biographies and business books when he has time.
