Latest Stories

KU football player’s tech startup scoring early success

Austin Barone didn’t begin playing football until his sophomore year after he transferred to St. Mary’s Colgan. He was disappointed to learn the school didn’t have a soccer team, so he turned to being the kicker for Panther football. A life-long athlete, he picked up the sport quickly and moved to the University of Kansas…

That’s what speed do: Startup Weekend showcases KC creativity and quickness

Business ideas can come from anywhere, at anytime. But few events are designed to accelerate a concept to an actual business in only 54 hours. That acceleration — paired with a team of innovative problem solvers — is the essence of Kansas City Startup Weekend. Speed, teamwork and creativity take center stage, and the best idea…

The WTF Series: Binary

On a daily basis, Ben Kittrell translates the jargon-filled world of technology for clients of his tech consultancy. The Words that Frustrate (WTF) series aims to offer readers some clarity in an industry dominated by techies’ confusing argot. Last week at the ScaleUp KC graduation ceremony, I was talking to friend and fellow Scaler Kacie…

Meet Kansas City’s new chief innovation officer

After a six-month search, the City of Kansas City, Mo., has found a candidate to lead its various tech and innovation initiatives. Kansas City hired Bob Bennett, a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Army, as the city’s second-ever chief innovation officer and will begin leading the City of Fountains’ various tech operations in January. Bennett…

Kansas City to kick off global celebration of entrepreneurship

A week of entrepreneurial jubilation is on its way to Kansas City. Global Entrepreneurship Week, the world’s largest celebration of innovators and job creators, will bring dozens of programs to the area for entrepreneurs of every stripe. Kansas City joins hundreds of cities in more than 140 countries around the world that are participating in…

Schukman: Is social entrepreneurship becoming business as usual?

One year ago, I started building my company by telling the story of social entrepreneurship to the world. Via a podcast, blog and other content, I launched Social Change Nation as the online hub for anyone who aspires to launch a company that makes a dollar AND a difference. At first, I imagined I would…

Events Preview: Midwest.io

There are a boatload of entrepreneurial events hosted in Kansas City on a weekly basis. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, supporter or curious Kansas Citian, we’d recommend these upcoming events for you. WEEKLY EVENT PREVIEW Midwest.io When: November 9-10 Where: Downtown Marriott Midwest.io is a two-day conference in the heart of the US, bringing together developers for…

Cobb: Royals’ win adds to KC’s entrepreneurial swagger

Entrepreneurs are competitive by nature. They love passionate, tenacious competitors that go for it all. That is why they resonate so closely with athletes. In fact, if you look into their backgrounds, many entrepreneurs were or are fierce athletes as well. It’s similar DNA that drives you to succeed despite enormous odds and competition. So…

(S)heStarts: Do tech startups need a techie founder?

Welcome to our new series exploring news and views on men, women, start-ups and the entrepreneurial experience.     Do tech startups need a techie founder? Yes. No. Maybe? Three Kansas City startup founders provided three perspectives on the technical expertise question. While their backgrounds and development paths differ, they all agree that end users…

Video: A Royal celebration

Did you hear? The Kansas City Royals are world champions! Here’s a quick video from the massive celebration in downtown Kansas City. Enjoy!