Hear KC newsmakers’ backstory with Startland’s ‘Innovation Exchange’ Oct. 20
October 14, 2016 | Startland News Staff
Rarely are all the facts of breaking news included in the stories we read. From the coincidences that led to a business deal to the personal challenges along the way, there’s often a fascinating patchwork of details that remain in reporters’ notebooks.
Think of the Innovation Exchange as a chance to open a news organization’s notepad for a view into its sources’ rich backstories. In conjunction with Think Big Partners and the KC Social Innovation Center, Startland News editor Bobby Burch will explore recent breaking news in Kansas City entrepreneurship via a fireside chat with the newsmakers that catalyzed the headlines.
The free event is set for 4 – 5:30 p.m., Oct. 20 at Think Big Partners and you can RSVP here.
In addition to examining some yet-to-be-revealed breaking news, the inaugural Innovation Exchange will host three Kansas City newsmakers quite familiar with making headlines:
- Davyeon Ross, co-founder of ShotTracker, a wearable tech firm that’s expanding around the world and working with the likes of Golden State Warrior Klay Thompson and Spalding.
- Greg Kratofil, arguably Kansas City’s top startup attorney who helped with EyeVerify’s huge exit and the KCRise fund’s recent close on $10 million for early-stage business investment.
- John Fein, managing director of Firebrand Ventures and a regional investor who’s a leading a cultural shift in Midwest venture capital.
Featured Business
2016 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Kansas budget woes render uncertainty for angel tax credits
As state budgetary concerns loom in the background, early-stage firms in Kansas are hoping a bill to extend the Sunflower State’s Angel Investor Tax Credit program will become a priority for legislators. Scheduled to sunset after the 2016 fiscal year, the program annually allocates $6 million in credits to entice investments in early-stage, growth-oriented companies…
KC virtual reality firm partners with KU, NFL coaches
A Kansas City-based virtual reality company hopes some marquee partnerships will plug it into a market projected to reach $150 billion in five years. Founded in 2013, Eon Sports VR recently landed the University of Kansas football team as a client for its mobile virtual reality platform to help players train without the risk of…
ECJC relocates office, updates brand
The Enterprise Center in Johnson County is shaking things up. The non-profit organization that connects entrepreneurs to the resources they need to grow revealed Thursday an updated website, brand identity, and new office location. “This move is the culmination of a long, strategic transition to ensure that as Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community changes, we change…
Former Sprint COO LeMay dishes on KC capital, failure
There are few people in Kansas City more connected into the area’s investor, corporate and startup community than FarmLink CEO Ron LeMay. Also now managing director of Kansas City-based OpenAir Equity Partners, LeMay frequently sees the successes and failures of the metro area’s capital landscape. The former Sprint COO recently spoke with dozens of Kansas…