News Stories

Leaders in KC coworking evaluate cultural, economic impact

Though I’m a “young, hip” millennial that offices in a coworking space, there’s no slant in saying that coworking is more than a fad in Kansas City. It’s a serious — and growing — business segment in the area. In the next 18 to 24 months, the metro will be welcoming more than 300,000 square…

Listen: Experts analyze KC’s evolving coworking and real estate market

What happens when the real estate market responds to a city’s surging entrepreneurial community? That was the subject of Startland News and Think Big’s March Innovation Exchange, which focused on Kansas City’s coworking boom and its intersection with area entrepreneurship. More than 300,000 square feet of coworking space will become available in the area over…

Pear Deck raises $4M to accelerate its ed tech tool

Fast-growing ed tech firm Pear Deck has plucked a $4 million investment as it plans to expand the use of its student engagement platform. The Iowa City-based firm — which operates a sales and marketing office in Kansas City — raised the capital from Growth Street Partners and existing investors, including Village Capital, Hyde Park…

Olathe-based Metactive lands $1.5M, two medical patents

Olathe-based medical device company Metactive released a pair of positive announcements for the firm. In addition to being awarded two patents, the firm closed on a $1.5 million Series A funding round — bringing its total raised to over $9 million. The round was co-led by the Mid-America Angels and an unnamed investor. Previously, the firm…

Brian McClendon

Uber exec with KC ties resigns to explore Kansas politics

An Uber executive with strong ties to Kansas City has announced his resignation and return to Kansas. Uber announced Tuesday that Brian McClendon, vice president of maps and business platforms at Uber, would be stepping down from his post as he explores a life in Kansas politics. A University of Kansas graduate, McClendon in January…