Entrepreneur, startup advocate becomes new KC Chamber chair
October 26, 2017 | Bobby Burch
A prominent Kansas City entrepreneur with some serious startup chops is now serving as the new chair of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.
Matt Condon, CEO of Bardavon Health Innovations and ARC Physical Therapy, was unanimously voted to serve at the helm of the chamber’s board of directors as its chairman. Condon, 42, is the youngest chair in the history of the 130-year-old organization.
A successful entrepreneur and advocate of Kansas City’s startup community, Condon said the community still can improve its entrepreneurial efforts.
“There’s been tremendous growth,” Condon said in a release. “But, we still have a long way to go. We need to stay focused on promoting entrepreneurship – it’s part of the foundation of whether Kansas City will still be vibrant ten years from now.”
In 2003, Condon launched ARC Physical Therapy and a decade later sold a majority stake in the firm as part of a $36 million deal. After selling his stake in the firm, but remaining its CEO, Condon launched a new startup, Bardavon Health Innovations. Founded in 2013, the health analytics and tech firm employs more than 50 people.
In addition to regularly promoting and connecting with members of the Kansas City startup community, Condon has served as the leader of the chamber’s initiative to make Kansas City America’s most entrepreneurial city.
Condon’s one year term as Chamber Chair begins Nov. 1. He succeeds current chamber chair Karen Daniel, CFO of Black & Veatch.
2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Happy Food Co. packs outside-the-box flavor into locally sourced meal kits
Finding the right mix of flavors for Kansas City’s pallette has been a trial-and-error effort for Happy Food Co., Jeff Glasco said. The Olathe-based direct-to-consumer meal kit company offers about 20 easy-to-prepare dinners infused with bold spices and outside-the-box local ingredients. Customer favorites include a bison cheeseburger quesadilla, butter-basted salmon, and soba noodle bowl with…
Ennovation Center helping food entrepreneurs avoid charring their dreams
In the seven years of leading a food business incubator, Lee Langerock has seen plenty of businesses — and dreams — sour. “We’ve had a front-row seat to the startup challenges and trials of food-based business,” said Langerock, the executive director of the Independence-based Ennovation Center. “The biggest pitfall we’ve witnessed is lack of practical,…
KCMO, Avis launch first-in-the-world test lab with 5,000 connected rental cars
Accelerating the Smart City initiative’s focus on enabling autonomous vehicles, the Kansas City area is now serving as the laboratory for a large test of thousands of connected rental cars. Avis Budget Group and the City of Kansas City, Missouri, announced Thursday the launch of the “Mobility Lab,” featuring a fleet of 5,000 internet-connected vehicles…
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’…