Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City

Butch Rigby, Thank you Walt Disney

First house of mouse: Reanimating Walt Disney’s KC film studio closer to reality than ever before

A decades-long project to honor Walt Disney and empower imaginative thinking along Kansas City’s east side could finally be on track for completion, said Butch Rigby.  “The idea for that building is the kid from over on 31st and Troost looks up and understands the Walt Disneys of the world came from that very corner,”…

Toby Rush explores venture studio concept to help startups avoid pre-seed mistakes

Not enough founders in the pre-seed funding stage get the help they need to successfully build their emerging startups, said Toby Rush.  “How can you find, focus and accelerate people before they’ve raised money, before they’ve built their team, before they’ve made all of the mistakes that I’ve made plenty of times and that most…

2018 LaunchKC winners

‘NEXT Missouri’ coalition launches policy push to renew MTC funding; EDCKC backing effort

A new effort by a coalition of Missouri policy-focused organizations aims to give Show Me State entrepreneurs a voice among legislators, as well as renew funding for an agency known for providing meaningful cash injections to Kansas City startups. Among the key priorities for NEXT Missouri — a 17-member-strong group, backed by the Economic Development Corporation…

Rodney Sampson, Opportunity Hub

It’s official: ‘Shark Tank’ casting call coming Feb. 21 to Kansas City’s 18th & Vine District

The TV show that helped make investing in wild and innovative startup ideas a household conversation is looking for new talent and opportunities in Kansas City. ABC’s “Shark Tank” is planning an official casting call 10 a.m. to 5 pm. Friday, Feb. 21 at the OHUB.KC Ecosystem Lab in the historic 18th & Vine District….

OHUB finalists: Christopher Jones, Matchrite Care; Shelley Cooper, Diversity Telehealth; Philip Vanderstraeten, Erkios Systems; Philip Hickman, PlaBook; Leonard Frye, FilmDove; and Clarence Tan, Boddle Learning

OHUB is sending five startups to SXSW, each infused with $50K; Meet the seven KC finalists

Iron sharpens iron, said Rodney Sampson, announcing 12 finalists — seven from Kansas City — for $250,000 in investments and a coveted demo day stage at SXSW in March. Each startup is rich with founders who have invested the time and energy to earn a payout from the ecosystem, said Sampson, founder of the Opportunity…