Techstars
Storyteller sketches path from former Soviet Union to KC-based Sibukop
The teeth marks on Jasur Rakhimov’s Apple Pencil aren’t his own. They belong to his young daughter, Jasmira, who — despite a new protective pencil box — still loves to chew on the tools of his trade, he said. “Everybody and everything has its own story,” reflected Rakhimov, running his fingers across the indentions from…
Document: Techstars raising a $400M startup fund
Accelerator and investment firm Techstars is working to raise a massive new fund to boost portfolio startups around the world. Techstars — which operates an accelerator program in Kansas City — is now raising a $400 million fund, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund more than doubles Techstars Ventures’…
Techstars Spotlight: Hanzo’s e-commerce tools designed to make you money
When a small business uploads its products to a third party e-commerce platform like Amazon, it’s giving away control, David Tai said. “With things like Etsy and Amazon, it’s very hard to communicate and build your brand because you’re building your brand on their platform,” said Tai, CTO of Hanzo. “Your products are next to…
Techstars Spotlight: GRIT Virtual builds 3-D tech into 2-D construction mindset
3-D should stay 3-D, said Chris Callen, CEO of GRIT Virtual. And with the rise of virtual reality and augmented reality technology, that philosophy can be applied to the construction of 3-D buildings, Callen said. Wichita-based GRIT Virtual is a software-as-a-service platform for large contractors. It uses VR software to streamline the workflow for construction…
Jobs alert: 5 Techstars firms now hiring in Kansas City
Less than halfway through Techstars’ three-month program, five startup companies in the class are hiring. The program’s first annual cohort — which included 10 startups — spent the first month meeting nearly 100 mentors and investors. Following the feedback, half of the class is ready to scale and hire more people, said Techstars managing director Lesa Mitchell….
