Startups

Made in KC

Video: Made in KC expands footprint, mission to cultivate creativity

By Tommy Felts / September 26, 2017

Made in KC — which carries in its stores everything from locally made barbecue sauce and candles to coasters, prints and T-shirts — is opening new locations at 11th Street and Baltimore Avenue downtown, and at 509 E. 18th St. in the Crossroads. The downtown space is set to debut Dec. 1 with a few features…

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RiskGenius Chris Cheatham

RiskGenius CEO named Entrepreneur of the Year at insurance symposium

By Tommy Felts / September 26, 2017

Innovation in the insurance industry is lagging behind other sectors, but it’s quickly catching up,  Chris Cheatham said. “Billions of dollars are now being invested in insurtechs, or new insurance technology solutions,” said Cheatham, CEO and co-founder of RiskGenius. “I think will see a lot more machine learning used to plow through all of the…

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KCSourceLink earns international economic development award

By Tommy Felts / September 26, 2017

An area entrepreneur support organization was recognized on an international stage thanks to its research on the Kansas City metro. KCSourceLink’s annual We Create KC report won the Gold Excellence in Economic Development Award at the International Economic Development Council on Sept. 19. The report tracks metrics associated with the health of the Kansas City…

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John Fein

Eyeing Midwest startups, Firebrand Ventures adds to advisory board

By Tommy Felts / September 22, 2017

A Kansas City-based venture fund announced the addition of another distinguished advisory board member. Joining the team alongside Techstars CEO David Cohen, Kansas Citian Keith Harrington, who’s the managing director for Novel Growth Partners, and Brian McClendon, former Uber vice president of maps, Tom Ball is expected to bring his Austin-based investor experience to  Firebrand Ventures. …

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Heather Spalding and Joel Teply, co-founders of Cambrian

LaunchKC $100K winner Cambrian Tech taking simple idea to new reality

By Tommy Felts / September 21, 2017

After winning LaunchKC’s grand prize — $100,000 — Cambrian Tech has its virtual eyes on another prize: total interior home transformation. “The goal is to open your phone, walk around and visualize any project you may consider doing,” co-founder Joel Teply said. “From walls, countertops, backsplashes, flooring, cabinetry, appliances, hardware and landscaping.” DIY tech presents…

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