Compute Midwest rebrands, announces expansion to the Windy City
June 2, 2017 | Meghan LeVota
The Kansas City-based tech conference formerly known as Compute Midwest has announced a rebrand and expansion to Chicago.
The conference, which has been recognized by Inc. magazine as one of the top tech conferences in the nation, has changed its name to become Dare Mighty Things. Since its launch in 2012, the conference has consistently attracted a broad audience, including entrepreneurs, developers, venture capitalists, creatives, executives and more.
Founder Michael Gelphman said he believes the name will allow the conference to reach a broader audience.
“The previous name kind of constrained us — we want to become something more global,” Gelphman said. “Anybody who hears that name automatically will think this is just for super techy people. … The conference is for anybody who’s creating anything who wants to be inspired.”
Presented by the Disruption Institute, the event previously has featured speakers such as Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, iRobot founder Rodney Brooks, former NASA CTO Chris Kemp, former Makerbot CEO Jenny Lawton and more.
Gelphman hopes the rebrand will help Dare Mighty Things expand its reach while breaking down silos within the tech, creative and business communities.
“These segmented communities are all coming together and seeing what kind of ideas and conversations come out of it,” Gelphman said. “That’s part of the magic — bringing these different people together.”
Dare Mighty Things is set for Nov. 3 in Chicago. Although Gelphman said he’s enjoyed holding the conference in Kansas City for the past six years, he’s excited about the conference’s growth.
“We are looking forward to the opportunity to see what we could do in Chicago and completely start from scratch,” Gelphman said. “We also know that many people from Kansas City will still be attending.”
Gelphman expects about 1,000 registrants and added that attendance has grown each year since its launch. In addition, Dare Mighty Things will offer a podcast this year, featuring interviews with top innovators from around the world.
“We want it to be more than just a conference,” Gelphman said. “The podcast will allow us to continuously create content and help with brand awareness. We want listeners to get the same feeling from the content that they experience at the conference.”
To learn more or to register for Dare Mighty Things, click here.
2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Trio of KC healthtech startups wrap NXTUS competition; Marma scores pilot project
WICHITA — Companies working to improve Kansans’ health and community growth momentum across the state just completed an eight-week competition in hopes of developing collaborative relationships to scale alongside new regional partners. Three Kansas City startups were among a cohort of 10 finalists — drawn from global innovation hubs to participate in the NXTSTAGE Community Health…
KU Innovation Park launches Oread Angel Investors network to boost Jayhawk startups
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. LAWRENCE — A newly announced angel investor network is expected to support high-growth tech and bioscience startups linked to the University of Kansas, said Adam Courtney, opening greater access to…
10 emerging makers compete for cash prizes; AltCap, Strawberry Swing team up for fall showcase
Editor’s note: The following story was originally published by AltCap, an ally to underestimated entrepreneurs that offers financing to businesses and communities that traditional lenders do not serve. Amid the historic charm of Alexander Majors Barn, 10 Kansas City-area artisans stepped into the spotlight as AltCap and Strawberry Swing teamed up to host the Emerging…
MidxMidwest returns: Seizing opportunities from one-on-one founder-VC meetups more important than ever, organizers say
It’s a critical time within the startup funding ecosystem, Dan Kerr and Maggie Kenefake agreed, noting the slow tick of investments across the region present a core challenge — and opportunities — to be addressed by this fall’s MidxMidwest event. “If you look at capital, 80 percent went to the biggest three states again, and…