Woman-led Stories
Plexpod rebrands womxn-led Herspace coworking concept with InnovateHER KC partnership
A year after Plexpod unveiled its Herspace concept at Westport Commons, a womxn-centric community and networking organization is partnering with the coworking leader to provide reinvigorated programming and support for startup leaders, Lauren Conaway said. “We’re really excited to show off this beautiful gathering place that the Plexpod team has created,” said Conaway, founder and…
H&R Block’s $2M investment in KCRise Fund: Corporate engagement can’t stop with one check, CEO says
Entrepreneurial energy surrounding such startups as Bungii and PayIt made a $2 million investment in the KCRise Fund an easy choice for Jeff Jones and his team at H&R Block, the high-profile CEO said. “When we think about the different pillars of how we want to give back to the community, taking a stake in…
Advice for women founders: Be ‘tough as balls’ but don’t fear asking for help, panelists say
Want to rise to the top? Stop limiting yourself to gender roles in the workplace, declared Jene’ Hong. “I didn’t see people as male or female,” Hong, told a crowd gathered for Startland’s Innovation Exchange: Investing in the Power of Women. “I started off in accounting — everyone was male. I was taught to curse…
Tea-Biotics opens ‘world’s-largest kombucha taproom’ with 32 flavors, Royals flare
The strength of Tea-Biotics’ new, world’s-largest kombucha taproom lies in its bold flavors — and a lot of them, said Lisa Bledsoe. “How good is fresh-pressed, organic blueberry? It’s great for you! It’s full of antioxidants,” said Bledsoe, founder of Tea-Biotics Kombucha, referencing just one of 32 variations on tap at the Olathe taproom. “How…
Climbing mountains in the Midwest? Exiting Pipeline leader eyes next big challenge
A desire to move mountains is driving Joni Cobb to move on from Pipeline — her family of 13 years. “I’ve been thinking about it for many years … not because I don’t love what I do. I love what I do [with Pipeline],” said Cobb, president and CEO of the Midwest-based accelerator and entrepreneur…
