VIDEO: Startup leaders talk KC Startup Foundation (plus bloopers)
August 10, 2017 | Bobby Burch and Meghan LeVota
So, what exactly is the Kansas City Startup Foundation?
For one, it is a foundation. Secondly, it involves startups. And last but not least, it serves Kansas City.
If you have ever found yourself confused about what exactly the Kansas City Startup Foundation does and which programs it offers, then the video below is for you.
Since the foundation’s launch in 2016, it has undergone many pivots, shifts and changes.
As you may have read in the news earlier this week, the foundation has merged with Center for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development, a for-profit community building organization spearheaded by Adam Arredondo. A former board member at the Kansas City Startup foundation, Arredondo will now serve as the executive director for the nonprofit.
It became clear to Arredondo that both organizations shared the same vision: “to create the most connected startup ecosystem in the world.”
And as Matthew Marcus, the Kansas City Startup Foundation’s director of operations, began to realize, “volunteer efforts alone were only going to take the foundation so far. We needed more resources and more support to champion our efforts.”
Former co-founders of the now-defunct local events startup Local Ruckus, Arredondo and Marcus have been through a lot with each other. The pair also served as integral community builders cultivating the Kansas City Startup Village since about 2012.
In the video below, Arredondo and Marcus share their entrepreneurial journey and detail what to expect from the foundation in the future.
Bloopers
Featured Business
2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Cosmo Burger expanding to standalone Crossroads spot, smashing into brand’s longtime brick-and-mortar dream
Cosmo Burger’s days as a side dish only will soon be over, the rapidly iconic smashburger’s creator said this week, announcing plans for a new restaurant in the East Crossroads where its signature menu item finally becomes the main course. Owners of the burger stand-within-a bar concept confirmed the new location will open at 1813…
‘It’s time to be brave’: This entrepreneur has a plan if she’s deported (and a spiritual mission if she stays)
She’s a mother, an entrepreneur and a healer — but for some, Alex Villalobos-McAnderson is just what’s on paper, the Kansas business owner said Alex Villalobos-McAnderson — like many immigrants within the borders of the United States — is living life in limbo, she shared. But the Shawnee-based energy medicine practitioner and owner of Villalobos…
Kauffman adds comms leader to boost transparency, clarity as Foundation moves into new era of engagement
During a time of change and transition, a clear voice is more critical than ever, leaders of the Kauffman Foundation said Thursday, announcing Amy Unruh as the influential philanthropic organization’s new communications director. “We’re in a really exciting chapter for the Foundation,” said Dr. Susan Klusmeier, chief of staff for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.…
Shawnee’s new chef-driven sports bar serves retro with a side of Spam fries and banana ketchup
Serial Kansas City hotspot founder opens door to Hank’s Garage with chefs Howard Hanna, Zac Sachs Eric Flanagan’s latest venture turns a former Shawnee auto shop into the resurrected downtown entertainment district’s newest destination — a casual neighborhood sports bar, complete with an innovative and elevated menu, classic beers, craft cocktails, and an outdoor patio…