Latest Stories
Fiercely independent, together: CoCreate KC feeds talent through coworking pipeline
A new coworking space in the Crossroads — CoCreate KC — plans to mix commercial and fine artists to stoke creative energy, with each member able to lend their talents to the founding firm, BrandWell Partners, said Brad Lang. “There are so many Kansas City, successful freelancers out there working on the ground,” said Lang, co-founder…
Top 10 remaining GEW events: Midwest funding, women startup leaders, social media marketing
Nearing the midpoint of Global Entrepreneurship Week, snowy weather turned to sunny skies — welcoming entrepreneurs and curious citizens alike to a wide range of activities rounding out the week. Wednesday is expected to feature some of the week’s most popular workshops and panels, according to KCSourceLink data, with three of the leading events running…
VIDEO: Education startups earn $60K in LEANLAB grants at revamped Launch[ED] Day
The work doesn’t end with LEANLAB Education’s Launch[ED] Day celebration, said Katie Boody. Four of the accelerator’s fellows will continue their startups’ research thanks to $60,000 in grant investments. The entrepreneur-led education ventures took the stage Thursday to pitch their companies to the Launch[ED] crowd at Plexpod Westport Commons, as well as to describe the…
Farmobile’s Jason Tatge: Why venture capitalists can’t afford to fly over Midwest startups
Savvy investors are turning their attention to the Midwest. Leading VC firms and investors are fleeing from the high prices, the groupthink and the cutthroat competition of the coasts and turning to the heart of the United States for their next moonshots. And yet, the Midwest attracts just 7 percent of VC capital, a tiny…
VIDEO: Kritiq designs more emotional KC runway show with Goodwill crossover
When the Kritiq fashion show returns to the runway later this month, it will be an event styled with creativity and an intimate feel, said Mark Launiu, noting a new partnership with Goodwill stores across Kansas and Missouri. “For me, I grew up shopping at Goodwill, my family still shops at Goodwill, so it kind…
Against the grain: Coworking leader bringing alcohol-free ‘Sans Bar’ pop-up concept to KC
Entrepreneur events should focus less on alcohol, and more on connections, said Melissa Saubers. “Part of my goal is to help educate and bring awareness to people who are hosting events — and also have alcohol in the workplace — to help them be more sensitive and inclusive for people who don’t drink,” said Saubers,…
On the agenda: What are GEW’s 10 most popular events so far? Practical workshops
With more than 170 events planned, organizers of Global Entrepreneurship Week already are seeing registration trends from those building their weeklong agendas at GEWKC.org Topping the most popular are GEW’s kickoff breakfast — set to explore the future in terms of emerging Latino markets, transportation and the Hyperloop, and sports technology — and Marquita Miller’s…
BlackTech Week curating GEW conversation between founders with ‘true experiences’
Bringing BlackTech Week to Kansas City for a day — and debuting the event series during Global Entrepreneurship Week — seemed like a natural fit, said Denayja Reese. The Miami-based festival draws together black entrepreneur leaders who already are championing the startup hustle of their communities, she said. Powered by Code Fever, which was founded…
Saudi Arabian investment pushing KC’s WISE Power into Nigeria, Japan, Middle East markets
The multimillion-dollar investment from a Saudi Arabian accelerator and capital firm is pushing WISE Power from the West Bottoms to global growth, said Kevin Williams. “The injection will allow us to expand quickly to get this technology out to the world, which was what our original intent was with WISE Power,” said Williams, founder of…
Fund Me, KC: ‘Rise Up, Get Started’ competitions give spotlight to formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs
Startland News is continuing its segment to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs — like startup community leader founder Kyle J. Smith’s Rise Up, Get Started campaign— to share their crowdfunding stories to gain a little help from their supporters. Who are you? I am Kyle J Smith, founder of…
