News Stories

Maranda Manning, Ryan Merket and John Fein, Firebrand Ventures

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…

Davyeon Ross, ShotTracker, No Coast winners

No Coast winners: Two rapidly growing KC tech startups championed

Tech leadership and innovation know No Coast, said Ryan Weber Friday night as the KC Tech Council revealed its inaugural award show honorees. Beneath the glittering chandeliers of the Abbott luxury event space — and surrounded by elaborate set pieces and balloon art — Weber and the KC Tech Council team announced winners in four No…

Neal Sharma, DEG exit

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…

KC Outpost at SXSW: LaunchKC sparking interest in Kansas City-fueled Next-Gen tech talk

LaunchKC has landed in Austin for SXSW and is planting a flag in the ground for Kansas City this weekend, said Drew Solomon. Set for Sunday at the popular bar Maggie Mae’s in Austin, KC Outpost returns with presentations featuring expert speakers from Virgin Hyperloop One, Garmin, FishTech Group, Mastercard and other high-profile organizations, said…