Austin’s ‘hostile attitude’ toward innovation, startup hub trends

By Tommy Felts | March 3, 2016
Regional Roundup

Here’s this week’s dish on lesson’s learned from Austin’s “hostile attitude” toward innovation, booming non-Silicon Valley startup hubs and what startups can do for the future workforce. Check out more in this series here. AustinInno: Austin just scared off 1 of its ‘biggest supporters’ in Silicon Valley The Austin, Texas City Council’s recent decision to…

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Dundee, Lewis & Clark VCs aim to raise Kansas City’s risk capital tide

By Tommy Felts | February 9, 2016

Kansas City boasts a hearty roster of attractive early-stage investment opportunities. And that’s why two Midwestern venture capital firms with fresh funds are making the Kansas City area a key part of their investment strategies. Both Omaha-based Dundee Venture Capital and St. Louis-based Lewis & Clark Ventures are eyeing Kansas City-area startups for deals varying…

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Why coastal investors ignore the Midwest and what’s next for federal startup policy

By Tommy Felts | January 14, 2016
Regional Roundup

Here are this week’s watercooler conversation-starters on why inland states struggle to find funding, coming issues in federal entrepreneurship policy and the success of innovation districts that are cropping up around the U.S. (and in Kansas City).  More in this series here. International Business Times: Finding venture capital far from the coasts Of the $48.3…

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Report: KC needs (a lot) more venture capital

By Tommy Felts | October 15, 2015

The Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute released a report that says Kansas City needs more venture capital for its biotech industry. Just how much venture capital? That is up for debate. Wayne Carter, Life Sciences Institute CEO, said $100 million is the common amount thrown around in conversation regarding Kansas City’s need, and while…

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