Tech First: Bank’s new pitch event aims to connect investors, startup founders
August 24, 2018 | Austin Barnes
Roots of growth and prosperity are being planted in Kansas City, furthering the advancement of the metro’s tech sector, said Rob Barker.
Rob Barker, President – Kansas City Region of First Business Bank
“One of the biggest challenges for these tech companies is finding those investors to speak to,” said Barker, president – Kansas City Region of First Business Bank.
First Business, locally based in Leawood, is set to introduce its Tech First pitch day Sept. 14 — an event that will give 12 budding tech startups 15 minutes to pitch their investment opportunity to potential KC area investors and those who hail from outside the state.
A list of potential investors and the inaugural group of 12 presenting companies is expected to be released by First Business in the coming weeks.
“Our whole goal for the event is to try and make that connection between those two groups,” Barker said, as he further described the company as a conduit of community.
A chance for blossoming startups to gain valuable resources and potential access to capital, Tech First could be likened to an accelerator program, Barker said — although in an untraditional sense. Despite its design, the day-long event shouldn’t be thought of as a competition either, he clarified.
With bridge-building deemed the driver behind the inception of Tech First, First Business hopes to make its pitch process an annual event in Kansas City, Barker said.
Austin Barnes
Austin is a growth-focused business strategist with deep roots in media and storytelling. As executive editor, he leads Startland’s revenue generation, partnership strategy, and market expansion— aligning mission-driven journalism with scalable business models.
With over a decade of experience spanning media, brand development, and strategic communications, Austin has helped grow Startland’s reach beyond Kansas City, launching new monetization efforts and driving engagement with more than 700,000 readers each year. His work bridges entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable growth —positioning Startland as a national model for community-centered media.
