Latest Stories
Back2KC effort attempts to bring Kansas City expatriates home to an emerging innovation hub
A first-of-its-kind event is drawing successful Kansas Citians who’ve left the region “Back2KC” Thursday and Friday for a hands-on glimpse at the city’s evolving innovation economy, Darcy Howe said. As managing director of the KCRise Fund — a co-investment fund that works with venture capital investors to support early-stage Kansas City companies — Howe saw…
Artist Vi Tran to KC-based innovators: Wipe ‘local’ label from your vocabulary
Some roots are best left behind, but not forgotten, said multi-faceted Kansas City artist Vi Tran. Others are worth holding close. Speaking at Startland’s recent Innovation Exchange, the actor, playwright, musician and owner of The Buffalo Room decried the idea that innovators who choose to stay in places like Kansas City are any less worthy…
The not-so-secret Sauce behind KC hip hop entrepreneur’s success: Authenticity
Royce “Sauce” Handy wears his influences and inspiration like pins on the outside of his well-worn jean jacket. The KCK-born hip hop entrepreneur embraces his identity: A collector of Goosebumps books. A student of history. A fan of 1990s family sitcoms. And he’s unapologetically black. His lips twist into a smile and his eyes brighten…
Startup Hustle podcast duo pledging $50K in Full Scale tech resources at Pure Pitch Rally
Early stage businesses need more than cash — they need the tools to grow, said the hosts of the KC-based Startup Hustle podcast. “Good ideas in startups move faster when they’re supported by successful business people in the community,” said podcast co-host Matt DeCoursey, announcing the plan late Wednesday to award $50,000 in tech resources,…
ProjectUK introducing specialty accelerator’s latest cohort Oct. 10 at Travois
Project United Knowledge is the only Kansas City accelerator that truly fosters collaboration between entrepreneurs and those in the industry establishment, said Quest Moffat. “It’s the biggest and most dramatic reason that we’re different from other accelerators in the Midwest region,” said Moffat, ProjectUK founder. “Co-building is where the corporation and the people that run…
New Wichita and San Antonio locations tickle Chicken N Pickle itch for expansion
North Kansas City’s Chicken N Pickle is picking up speed faster than a pickleball soaring across one of the business’ popular courts, said Laurie Morrissey. Hatched within eyesight of the downtown Kansas City skyline, the entertainment venue is making a game-changing serve with its fast-casual approach to community recreation and the evolution of America’s fastest…
Growth Acceleration Services focuses on team building process to advance startups
Building a quality team is the most important step to accelerating a startup, Doug Burris said. But hiring the right talent is often where founders make their biggest — and most expensive — mistakes, added Burris, president of Growth Acceleration Services. “We have seen firsthand the struggles founders manage as they attempt to push the…
Techweek opens Monday with KC Mayoral Candidate Tech Forum; launches app with full schedule
Candidates to be Kansas City’s next mayor will take the stage Monday at Union Station in one of Techweek KC’s first events of 2018 to talk tech and its importance in shaping the city’s future, said Ryan Weber. “We’re still a long way from the [April 2] primary election, but this forum will help voters…
CommunityAmerica innovation lab launches AI chatbot to help students complete FAFSA
A new artificial intelligence-fueled chatbot and FAFSA help site aim to digitally remove barriers faced by first-generation American students, children of divorce and others hoping to obtain financial aid to attend college. It’s about delivering peace of mind to members of CommunityAmerica Credit Union, which developed the technology, said Anita Newton, chief innovation officer for…
Ryann Dowdy: ‘Sales’ isn’t a dirty word — it’s an exchange of a startup’s value for money
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary about workplace culture are the author’s alone. Ryann Dowdy is a longtime sales coach and trainer. They’re pushy. Annoying. Overbearing. Aggressive. Sleazy. The thought of salespeople conjures all manner of descriptions for many people — including startup founders and leaders. You picture the portrayals in movies like…
