Mike Upah, pictured, has been named the director of Ames Seed Capital, an organization that provides seed funding for startup companies in the Story County area. According to a news release from the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission, Upah began his new duties last month. He will oversee and manage all Ames Seed Capital operations. In a news release, Upah said Ames Seed Capital, an affiliate of the Ames Chamber of Commerce, is a “tremendous resource for entrepreneurs in central Iowa, not just a source of capital, but also through the ability to access talents and experience and investors in the fund.” Upah has previously worked with the Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, helping startup companies obtain funding from Ames Seed Capital. He concurrently serves as chief financial officer of iSeek Corp., leading the company’s finance and strategic business efforts. Upah takes over the role of director from John Hall, who moved to Ames Main Street, another Chamber-affiliated organization, as a part of various internal moves and reductions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, chamber officials said.