Woman-led Stories

Scott Ford, Pepper

You’ll soon have 20+ smart devices in your home; How many will steal your data? 

Consumers of smart technology need to be wary of most of the lesser-known brands in retail stores, said Scott Ford. “Most likely they’re using a platform architecture that sits on a foreign market, sending your data to who knows where, without the protections that are common in the U.S,” said Ford, CEO of Pepper IoT,…

Laura McCoolidge, Sofia Fund

Minneapolis angel investment firm expanding to KC, names McCoolidge managing partner

A former leader of the Mid-America Angels fund could be the secret to establishing Minneapolis-based Sofia Fund as a new investment resource for women-led companies within Kansas City, said Cathy Connett. “The Midwest continues to be a hub of startup activity,’ said Connett, Sofia Fund CEO. “Extending our footprint to Kansas City gives us access…

Pure Pitch Rally 2018, photo by Mikaela Wendel Photography

Pure Pitch Rally returning in October with spot-cash funding; applications open now

The land sharks are already hungry for Kansas City’s top tech talent, said Karen Fenaroli, announcing the planned return of the Pure Pitch Rally this fall. “Not only does Pure Pitch Rally provide startups with the opportunity to earn much-needed cash funding, it gives local entrepreneurs direct access to the resources and people in our…

Lauren Lawrence, Stenovate, photo by Mikaela Wendel Photography

Stenovate lands first big investor; founder credits ‘stepping stones’ of KC startup resources

Hold your head high, be eager, and embrace the startup community that surrounds you, Lauren Lawrence said as the first outside investor calls on her Kansas City-filed tech startup, Stenovate.  “The first person to really take a risk on you as an outside investor who’s not your mom and dad … they’re always a significant…

iShare Medical working with VA, Medicare, Medicaid to improve patient outcomes, reduce cost of care

Medical errors shouldn’t be among the leading causes of death in a country as developed as the United States, said Linda Van Horn, especially when failure to communicate critical information across platforms is to blame. “It’s unacceptable to make mistakes, just because the information is not readily available to the provider, the doctor or the…