Tag: Firebrand Ventures

It’s ‘the place that everyone wants to be’: Why Techstars could be back in KC for more than just hugs

By Tommy Felts / February 27, 2026

Five years after Techstars left Kansas City, the global startup accelerator’s co-founder and CEO teased a comeback for the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. “We’re going to try to figure out how to continue to be a part of the Kansas City startup community,” David Cohen told a crowd of founders, investors, advocates, and Techstars alumni Thursday…

Techstars returning to KC for one-night-only meetup; teasing what’s next for the global accelerator

By Tommy Felts / January 16, 2026

It’s easy to take for granted just how far the Kansas City entrepreneurial ecosystem has come, John Fein shared. Kansas City-based Firebrand Ventures is teaming up with the global startup accelerator Techstars for a Community Meetup 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at Grand Cafe on the Plaza. The event is free but space…

KC investors power $4.5M round for OP startup poised to ‘unlock billions’ for its customers

By Tommy Felts / May 5, 2022

Overland Park-based Realto has closed a $4.5 million funding round — thanks in large part to the backing of Kansas City-based investors.  “We’re excited to welcome these important investors as we continue to expand our robust trading capabilities across the universe of alternative products,” Brian King, co-founder and CEO, said in announcement of the funding round which…

Firebrand Ventures closes $40M seed fund for ‘authentic’ founders in emerging communities; adds Leo Morton as advisor

By Tommy Felts / August 26, 2021

A year after two prominent venture capital firms announced their merger, the consolidated Firebrand Ventures II is officially closed — reaching its $40 million target and having already invested in startups from Detroit, Seattle and Toronto. “Several years ago we raised our first funds — Boulder-based Blue Note Ventures and Kansas City-based Firebrand Ventures I —…

$21M round for Dwolla disruption validates evolving payments platform, CEO says

By Tommy Felts / July 21, 2021

Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. A…

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