Husch Blackwell

Michael Wilson, United American Hemp

Cannabis founder’s advice: Weed out the bad seeds; run green startups like real businesses

Cannabis might seem like it presents a Wild West frontier for entrepreneurs looking to strike green, said Michael Wilson, but would-be founders must cultivate a plan grounded in common sense — and the law. “In the industrial hemp or marijuana space, if you want to build a successful business, run it like a real damn…

Downtown Kansas City

The secret’s almost out: Why you should start a business in KC before it becomes cool

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Ed Wilson and Kenyon Briggs are attorneys at Husch Blackwell in Kansas City. This op-ed is sponsored by Husch Blackwell. Silicon Valley has been known as America’s premier innovation capital for decades. Between easy access to funding, a strong entrepreneurial network, and a…

David Biga, Particle Space, Startup Crawl KC

Photos: Startup Crawl KC draws 1,000+ to the Crossroads, despite First Fridays overhaul

Mission accomplished, said organizers of Startup Crawl KC, announcing record attendance during the fifth showing of the innovation expo.  “Best Startup Crawl ever,” said Gerald Smith, co-founder of Plexpod — which played host Oct. 4 to one of the Crawl’s three stops at its Crossroads Arts District location.  More than 1,000 guests descended on the…

Tech pioneer Don Peterson to guide new LaunchKC-Nueterra health accelerator

Leading the new LaunchKC Health Accelerator is Don Peterson’s way of giving back to a community that opened its arms to his family nearly 30 years ago, he said.  “I’m proof that we can accomplish the entrepreneurial dream right here in KC and feel like it’s my duty to pay that forward,” said Peterson, a…