MTC forced to surrender entire $2.9M budget — including funds already awarded to startups — to help MO pay for COVID-19 shortfall

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. [divide] A critical funding tool for Missouri startups could become the latest…

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‘NEXT Missouri’ coalition launches policy push to renew MTC funding; EDCKC backing effort

A new effort by a coalition of Missouri policy-focused organizations aims to give Show Me State entrepreneurs a voice among legislators, as well as renew funding for an agency known for providing meaningful cash injections to Kansas City startups. Among the key priorities for NEXT Missouri — a 17-member-strong group, backed by the Economic Development Corporation…

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Village veteran SquareOffs launches long-awaited social opinion site, tops $2M+ in funding

SquareOffs hopes its new consumer-facing destination website — showcasing interactive “microdebates” aggregated across a growing network of publishers and influencers — moves digital conversations back to civility. A fresh round of funding will help, said Jeff Rohr. “We are all tired of the toxicity that fills our social media feeds and dominates comments at the bottom…

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LaunchKC, Brush Creek unveil InsureTech accelerator led by longtime startup advocate

The latest LaunchKC-powered industry accelerator aims to bring a new wave of technology Kansas City’s insurance community, said Nathan Kurtz. [pullquote] What is Brush Creek? Brush Creek Partners is a full-service technology-focused insurance agency based in the crossroads of Kansas City. Brush Creek specializes in helping growth-stage technology companies manage risk while providing additional value-add…

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Bunker Labs KC returns to deploy connections to veterans transitioning to entrepreneurship

Military members typically make incredible connections with comrades abroad, but when they return to the U.S. as veterans they often struggle to establish a worthwhile network, said Joe Crane. That sense of isolation can inhibit would-be entrepreneurs from breaking into the startup world. “It’s tough for veterans to connect,” said Crane, Bunker Labs’ city leader…

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