News
Pear Deck raises $4M to accelerate its ed tech tool
Fast-growing ed tech firm Pear Deck has plucked a $4 million investment as it plans to expand the use of its student engagement platform. The Iowa City-based firm — which operates a sales and marketing office in Kansas City — raised the capital from Growth Street Partners and existing investors, including Village Capital, Hyde Park…
Olathe-based Metactive lands $1.5M, two medical patents
Olathe-based medical device company Metactive released a pair of positive announcements for the firm. In addition to being awarded two patents, the firm closed on a $1.5 million Series A funding round — bringing its total raised to over $9 million. The round was co-led by the Mid-America Angels and an unnamed investor. Previously, the firm…
Uber exec with KC ties resigns to explore Kansas politics
An Uber executive with strong ties to Kansas City has announced his resignation and return to Kansas. Uber announced Tuesday that Brian McClendon, vice president of maps and business platforms at Uber, would be stepping down from his post as he explores a life in Kansas politics. A University of Kansas graduate, McClendon in January…
Vetrepreneur event Purple Connection taking flight in KC
An event connecting veteran entrepreneurs is making waves in Kansas City. Led by the Veteran Leadership Network and other local organizations, the next the Purple Connection will be held April 12 at the GRID Collaborative Workspaces. Community organizer Jesse Beaudin said this is the third iteration of the event series, and he was surprised by…
Kauffman honoree examines impact of accelerators on an ecosystem
Over the years, Kansas City has found itself home to several business accelerator programs. From BetaBlox to the Sprint Accelerator, these programs have increased the vibrancy of the area entrepreneurial community in many ways. But recently Kansas Citians had the chance to learn first hand just how much their local network of accelerators have helped…
