Funding Stories
Cloud platform Packet opens KC office after $25M funding round in New York
New York-based Packet’s newly established Kansas City office is expected to take full advantage of the area’s wealth of tech talent, said Ihab Tarazi. “There is actually a very good technical base in Kansas City — so here’s validation of that,” said Tarazi, chief technology officer at the cloud infrastructure firm committed to “building a…
With new partner, Firebrand ramps up ‘founder-focused’ culture, aims to double fund
Firebrand Ventures is the right culture fit at the right time, said serial entrepreneur Ryan Merket. Joining the Kansas City-based venture firm as a partner alongside John Fein, Merket brings a wealth of experience from his time at Facebook, Reddit and Amazon, as well as five years as an angel investor, he said. “Looking at…
DEG execs reflect on $100M+ exit: Join an armada before success puts a target on your back
Riding into battle solo won’t help a company win the war that is business, Neal Sharma told a crowd of ACG Kansas City members gathered to hear details behind the exit of homegrown marketing giant DEG. “One of the things we realized three years ago — about DEG — is it was a completely successful, self…
Founder facing gender bias: Don’t call me a victim; call me investors
It’s like pulling teeth to get key investors and resource organizations to help push female entrepreneurs forward, said Carlanda McKinney, citing implicit bias and a lack of effective support mechanisms. “I don’t think it’s intentional at all. I think it’s a byproduct,” said McKinney, co-founder of Raaxo, an online tech platform used to design and…
University of Saint Mary launching entrepreneur boot camp to supplement OP campus’ healthcare focus
A new, four-week crash course in entrepreneurism is coming to the University of Saint Mary’s Overland Park campus, with officials hoping the pilot helps healthcare-focused students better connect with needed business skills. “We have a lot of wisdom to share,” said John Shultz, vice president for admissions and marketing at the university, noting a treasure…
