News

1 Million Cups offers new mobile app

By Tommy Felts / September 14, 2016

One Kansas City’s most popular entrepreneurial events is offering its thousands of fans an app to increase engagement. The 1 Million Cups community in Kansas City and around the world has long asked for an app, and now it’s becoming a reality, said Jordan Marsillo, 1 Million Cups program coordinator. The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation…

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Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation startup growth

Kauffman Foundation, Uber launch grant contest for women-led startups

By Tommy Felts / September 13, 2016

Female entrepreneurs in Kansas City may not have the luxury of riding a “glass escalator,” but on Oct. 26 they can take an Uber ride for a chance at $120,000. The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation on Tuesday announced UberPITCH, a nationwide pitch competition in partnership with Uber and business accelerator The Refinery. Women-led startups will…

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Brian McClendon

5 glimpses into Uber VP Brian McClendon’s crystal ball

By Tommy Felts / September 13, 2016

Brian McClendon — vice president of maps and business platform at Uber — may reside in Silicon Valley, but his roots are here in the prairie. Originally from Lawrence, Kan., McClendon graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in electrical engineering and now serves on several advisory boards for his alma mater. Sporting…

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EyeVerify sells to Alibaba affiliate for more than $100M

By Tommy Felts / September 13, 2016

In what represents one of the metro’s most notable exits in the last decade, Kansas City-based startup EyeVerify announced Tuesday that it has been acquired. Ant Financial —  the payments affiliate of Alibaba Group Holding — purchased EyeVerify for more than $100 million, according to an unnamed local source familiar with the deal. Ant Financial…

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Google Express offering delivery services in Kansas City

By Tommy Felts / September 13, 2016

As part of a massive Midwestern expansion, Google Express is offering its services in Kansas City. Google announced Tuesday that it’s now offering delivery services to more than 40 million new Midwest customers after its debut in 2013.   Google Express — an online marketplace that connects shoppers with retailers — provides delivery services of…

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