Opinion

Before signing the lease: Examine your startup’s culture, protect against surprises

By Tommy Felts / November 19, 2019

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Ryan Biery, SIOR, is senior vice president of brokerage at Copaken Brooks, a commercial real estate agency in Kansas City. That moment when they hand you the keys. That’s a good moment for your startup or small business. It’s a sense of excitement,…

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. 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 Series…

The secret’s almost out: Why you should start a business in KC before it becomes cool

By Tommy Felts / October 14, 2019

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Ed Wilson and Kenyon Briggs are attorneys at Husch Blackwell in Kansas City. This op-ed is sponsored by Husch Blackwell. Silicon Valley has been known as America’s premier innovation capital for decades. Between easy access to funding, a strong entrepreneurial network, and a…

Fundraising, For Real: Can convertible notes kill a deal in the Midwest?  

By Tommy Felts / September 16, 2019

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Laura McCoolidge is managing partner at the Sofia Fund, which recently expanded its reach to Kansas City. Religion. Gun control. Politics. Convertible notes. Why are convertible notes so controversial? Despite the controversy, this instrument has proven popular as a means for working with…

KC Fed: We can fix the digital divide (and solutions come without a high cost)

By Tommy Felts / September 10, 2019

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Jeremy Hegle is senior community development advisor at Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Some issues affecting the digital divide are complex — expanding availability of affordable broadband, for example, requires government policy, technology, and lots of money.  It can seem daunting and…