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Ecosystem builder on Mayor Q’s budget cuts: Startup support helps fill potholes too

By Tommy Felts / February 21, 2020

Startup support is an investment — not just a cost to the city, a leading ecosystem builder said Thursday following a proposed KCMO budget that would reduce funding for groups aiding KC’s emerging innovators and risk-takers. “Go around to meet the entrepreneurs, understand their stories — see how we max out our credit cards to hire…

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Wrap up: Miss FUND Conference Kansas City? Don’t forget to craft your narrative

By Tommy Felts / November 5, 2019

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Brandon Warrington is an attorney at Husch Blackwell in Omaha. This op-ed is sponsored by Husch Blackwell. [divide] Kansas City’s inaugural FUND Conference buzzed with startups and emerging companies, from social ventures still in the ideation phase to companies having just finished their…

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Elite investors at exclusive CEO retreat: Don’t waste time; sell us on your billion-dollar idea

By Tommy Felts / May 3, 2019

Trying to land the backing of a venture capital firm? Throw your pitch deck out the window, Chris Olsen advised a select group of Kansas City CEOs. “A lot of times founders will come and give us their pitch and they’ll start going through it and [they’re telling us] they’re profitable in 18-months. And we’ll…

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Next KCMO mayor needs this personality trait to build trust, Sly James says

By Tommy Felts / March 26, 2019

The role of mayor doesn’t always require being “the lead dog on the sled,” said Sly James. Rather, it’s an opportunity for a bridge between those knowledgeable enough to make change, the outgoing KCMO mayor added. [pullquote] KCMO Votes • Confused? Undecided? Seven FAQs for those still on the bubble • Candidates agree: KCMO needs…

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OP-based Innovation in Motion angel fund finds sweet spot in seed stage startups

By Tommy Felts / February 1, 2019

A financial haven for entrepreneurs with fresh ideas in the agriculture, animal and human health spaces, Innovation in Motion (IIM) has made its ninth angel investment, said Lydia Kinkade. “We look for companies that are solving big problems, have a stellar team, and are poised to grow quickly,” said Kinkade, the Overland Park-sown fund’s managing…

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