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

    Tractics partners with UK software company to ground heavy construction market with powerhouse cloud platform

    By Tommy Felts | January 22, 2025

    Integrating a Kansas City startup’s construction management tech within a global software provider’s solutions for small businesses builds on both brands’ strengths and trusted products, said Tyler VanWinkle. Tractics on Tuesday announced a significant new partnership with Sage Intacct Construction, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. The move is expected to help empower heavy civil…

    Pegah’s expands its family of restaurants to Martin City with new faster-service concept

    By Tommy Felts | January 21, 2025

    A locally owned restaurant chain is putting a drive-thru emphasis on breakfast with its newest location in Martin City — offering “hand foods” handed directly to hungry diners. “We’re trying a fast-casual drive-thru focusing on coffee and beverages — tea and juices — and fast-casual meals,” said Rameen Sharifi, owner of Shawnee-based Pegah’s Family Restaurant.…

    Missouri founder offers a triple shot of bold business, distilling branding for small ventures

    By Tommy Felts | January 21, 2025

    Editor’s note: The following story was produced through a paid partnership with MOSourceLink, which boasts a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state of Missouri grow and succeed by providing free, easy access to the help they need — when they need it. HERMANN, Missouri — Even tiny teams deserve strong branding,…

    K-State opens physical innovation hub space to boost research, economic development

    By Tommy Felts | January 21, 2025

    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.  MANHATTAN, Kansas — A newly unveiled collaborative office space at Kansas State University  is expected to catalyze research commercialization, industry partnerships and economic growth, said Richard Linton.  “This new space…