Listen: Leaders analyze KC’s entrepreneurial milestones, assess challenges

June 22, 2017  |  Meghan LeVota

To say that Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community has matured in the last 15 years would be an understatement.

Many leaders say that if you lived in the metro during the early 2000s and were to return now, you may not even recognize the place.

Taking a moment to reflect on how far Kansas City has come, Startland News and Think Big’s June Innovation Exchange used a historical lens to analyze Kansas City entrepreneurship.

Panelists shared their analysis on the metro’s entrepreneurial ecosystem — including growth, future opportunities and areas to be improved.

In the conversation, you’ll hear from entrepreneurial community leaders including:

  • Joe Reardon, CEO of Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
  • Toby Rush, CEO of EyeVerify
  • Darcy Howe, Managing Director of the KCRise Fund
  • Joni Cobb, CEO of Pipeline Entrepreneurial Fellowship
  • Herb Sih, Think Big Partners
  • Maria Meyers, Executive Director of KCSourceLink

A recording of the event is below, and photos are beneath that. Hope you enjoy!

[adinserter block="4"]

2017 Startups to Watch

    stats here

    Related Posts on Startland News

    Q&A: Troy Nash grew up in public housing; now he’s leading real estate innovation at UMKC

    By Tommy Felts | October 30, 2025

    Editor’s note: The following story was written and first published by the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Click here to read the original story. [divide] Executive MBA professor named new real estate center director With more than two decades of leadership in public-private partnerships, economic development and community engagement, Troy Nash will serve as director of the Lewis…

    Renderings: World Cup innovation-networking hub, FIFA fan fest plans unveiled by KC organizers

    By Tommy Felts | October 30, 2025

    Short-term fun, long-term gains. It’s a win-win for Kansas City, local leaders said Thursday, announcing new high-profile concepts set to take the pitch alongside the summer 2026 FIFA World Cup — games that could redefine the region in front of a global audience. “The KC region has an incredible opportunity to showcase our market’s business environment,…

    AI disruption is already here: Here’s how Kansas City workers navigate reality redefined by tech

    By Tommy Felts | October 30, 2025

    Editor’s note: This story was originally published by The Beacon, a member of the KC Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story from The Beacon, an online news outlet focused on local, in-depth journalism in the public interest.…

    Swifties made her work famous; Now this KC maker has opened a fourth retail shop

    By Tommy Felts | October 29, 2025

    Sales jumped after Taylor Swift was seen wearing one of EB and Co.’s rings at a key moment in the popstar’s high-profile romance with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. The jolt of exposure helped propel the brand’s expansion — most recently the opening of a fourth shop in downtown Lee’s Summit. “This location was requested…