Listen: Leaders analyze KC’s entrepreneurial milestones, assess challenges

June 22, 2017  |  Meghan LeVota

EyeVerify CEO Toby Rush adresses the IXKC crowd

To say that Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community has matured in the last 15 years would be an understatement.

Many leaders say that if you lived in the metro during the early 2000s and were to return now, you may not even recognize the place.

Taking a moment to reflect on how far Kansas City has come, Startland News and Think Big’s June Innovation Exchange used a historical lens to analyze Kansas City entrepreneurship.

Panelists shared their analysis on the metro’s entrepreneurial ecosystem — including growth, future opportunities and areas to be improved.

In the conversation, you’ll hear from entrepreneurial community leaders including:

  • Joe Reardon, CEO of Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
  • Toby Rush, CEO of EyeVerify
  • Darcy Howe, Managing Director of the KCRise Fund
  • Joni Cobb, CEO of Pipeline Entrepreneurial Fellowship
  • Herb Sih, Think Big Partners
  • Maria Meyers, Executive Director of KCSourceLink

A recording of the event is below, and photos are beneath that. Hope you enjoy!

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

Did you enjoy this post? Show your support by becoming a member or buying us a coffee.

2017 Startups to Watch

    stats here

    Related Posts on Startland News

    New Kansas City coworking studio draws Gov. Jay Nixon

    By Tommy Felts | August 3, 2016

    While still under construction, Kansas City’s soon-to-be largest coworking studio made its public debut with the visit of Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon. A Democrat from De Soto, Mo., Nixon on Tuesday toured North Kansas City-based iWerx, a massive 33,000-square-feet coworking studio that plans to be open for business in September. iWerx also will house a…

    Digital Sandbox reports substantial impact on Kansas City economy

    By Tommy Felts | August 3, 2016

    The results are in for Digital Sandbox KC — and they look good. The business incubator on Wednesday unveiled its most recent statistics on the program’s impact in Kansas City. Launched in early 2013, the program provides up to $25,000 in non-dilutive grants to area, early-stage entrepreneurs for specific projects. Since inception about three years…

    Fund me, KC: MatchOn serves up virtual tennis club

    By Tommy Felts | August 3, 2016

    Startland News is continuing its segment to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs — like MatchOn founder Garrett Gates — to share their stories to gain a little help from their supporters. Back MatchOn’s Indiegogo campaign here. Who are you? Garrett Gates, founder and CEO of MatchOn.…

    Techweek KC aims for significant growth in 2016

    By Tommy Felts | August 2, 2016

    With aggressive goals in mind, Techweek Kansas City is ramping up excitement for its second-annual festival of innovation and entrepreneurship in the City of Fountains. The national tech conference and media firm hosted a countdown party Monday in downtown Kansas City in which Techweek CEO Amanda Signorelli said she hopes to top the festival’s inaugural…