Melissa Vincent

Pipeline opens application for 2023 fellowship, Pathfinder; boosts its own storytelling

Midwest entrepreneurs deserve the resources they need to scale into high-growth ventures, said Melissa Vincent, announcing the launch this week of applications for Pipeline’s latest fellowship and Pathfinder program for overlooked founders. Tapping into its network of more than 180 entrepreneurs who have generated over $2.2 billion in revenues, Pipeline’s support system ranges from intense…

Melissa Vincent, Pipeline Entrepreneurs, and Donald Hawkins, Kinly, at the 2022 Pipeline Innovators gala

Pipeline Innovators gala adds glamour, top honors back into the mix for celebration of fellows 

A remixed Pipeline Innovators gala honored veteran and emerging fellows from within the elite startup founder network Friday — returning the full live celebration to a stage in Kansas City for the first time since 2018 and crowning two new Innovator of the Year recipients. Marking the first Innovators gala for Pipeline executive director Melissa…

Joni Cobb, Center for American Entrepreneurship

DC-based lobbying group for entrepreneurs names former Pipeline leader as new leader

A fresh face joining the helm of a leading lobbying organization for entrepreneurs is expected to bring Midwest perspective and representation to the fight to create more jobs through the innovation economy. Joni Cobb, the founding president and CEO of Pipeline Entrepreneurs — a Kansas City, Kansas-based network of startup founders now led by executive…

2022 Pipeline fellows

Meet the new 2022 Pipeline fellows building ‘breakout’ startups and poised for rapid scale

Persistence frequently pays off, said James West, reacting to his selection for Pipeline’s latest fellowship. The Lawrence biotech founder applied to join the elite entrepreneur network off and on since 2011 — and is now among 13 new fellows. “To finally get accepted is recognition of the work and progress I’ve made in the last few…

2022 Pipeline Pathfinder cohort

Overlooked to booked: How 12 founders are opening the gate to scaling success through Pipeline Pathfinder

The idea that someone else sees Fresh Factory KC’s potential still seems remarkable for India Wells-Carter, she said Thursday as Pipeline unveiled her business as one of 12 selected for its first-ever Pathfinder cohort — an entryway into its elite network for often-overlooked entrepreneurs. “I know I believe in my company, but it feels great to…