Funding Stories
Missouri startup support funding gutted amid COVID; Advocates hope reversing course could fuel recovery
It’s official: the 2021 budget for a popular public-private partnership that once infused millions into the Missouri tech and startup communities has been wholly defunded by the state as Gov. Mike Parson grapples with COVID-19’s continued economic fallout. But supporters of the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) hope Parson’s move — withholding all of the program’s…
Startups fighting COVID: Black & Veatch taps 18 for Coronavirus response accelerator
Four months after an unprecedented pandemic struck the Midwest, partners from more than a dozen startups, established businesses and universities are set to pitch their solutions for developing and deploying emerging technologies to fight Coronavirus. KC-area startups EB Systems, InnovaPrep, Motega and MySidewalk are among 18 members of Black & Veatch’s IgniteX COVID-19 Response Accelerator,…
Heartland Challenge: Meet Kauffman’s 17 grantees (and the projects getting funded)
The only way to regain lost momentum in the Heartland’s cities and rural areas: work together to develop, catalyze, and expand inclusive programs and strengthen regional ecosystems, said Melissa Roberts Chapman. A new portfolio of 17 grantee organizations is up to the challenge, she added. “Entrepreneurship represents an opportunity for this region to reverse a…
Boddle’s new $350K investment comes with a catch: KC startup relocating to Tulsa
Pre-seed funding from Tulsa-based Atento Capital is expected to help accelerate Boddle’s gamified edtech platform amid an ongoing pandemic — but the infusion means the Kansas City startup will move south to work more closely with its new investor. “Our team is looking forward to the growth and impact that this investment will allow us…
Pure Pitch Rally opens applications, plans for in-person fall event at new Loews hotel
The best way to create more opportunity — and equity — is to push forward, said Karen Fenaroli. Competition applications are open for the first major in-person startup event announced since COVID-19 shut down many Kansas City workplaces and brought traditional networking to a standstill. The invite-only Pure Pitch Rally is set for Oct. 12…
