Investors

U.S. Capital, photo courtesy of the KC Tech Council

Are VC-backed startups excluded from federal aid? KC Tech Council urges SBA rethink rules

By Tommy Felts / March 31, 2020

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Legislation signed into law last week to provide broad assistance…

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Toby Rush explores venture studio concept to help startups avoid pre-seed mistakes

By Tommy Felts / February 26, 2020

Not enough founders in the pre-seed funding stage get the help they need to successfully build their emerging startups, said Toby Rush.  “How can you find, focus and accelerate people before they’ve raised money, before they’ve built their team, before they’ve made all of the mistakes that I’ve made plenty of times and that most…

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Jeff Shackelford, Enterprise Center in Johnson County

Jeff Shackleford named ECJC’s top exec, aims to keep nonprofit’s impact on entrepreneurs in the billions 

By Tommy Felts / January 16, 2020

A transition to new leadership at the Enterprise Center in Johnson County comes with a pledge to build upon the work of the nearly 25-year-old nonprofit, said Jeff Shackelford. “The ECJC will continue to play a vital role in being a focal point for local companies and entrepreneurs looking to raise capital to start and…

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Laura Brady, Royal Street Ventures

$16.4M third fund for Royal Street; KC needs at least one $100M exit each year, leader says

By Tommy Felts / January 6, 2020

A $16.4 million third fund will see Kansas City-rooted Royal Street Ventures claim even more stake in area startups and establish itself as a leader in locally-sourced venture capital, said Laura Brady.  “We have invested in six companies in Kansas City — including two already in Fund III,” Brady, Royal Street’s managing director, noted of the…

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Josh Oeding, Accelerate Venture Partners

Startup Road Trip: Venture, innovation scenes rapidly growing in Kansas City’s ‘backyard’

By Tommy Felts / December 19, 2019

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. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. WICHITA…

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