Bobby Burch
Recent Articles by Bobby Burch
Kauffman VP hops on national TV to discuss gaps in entrepreneurship
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s vice president of entrepreneurship recently took to national television to examine declining startup rates. CNBC recently featured Victor Hwang to discuss the trend in declining startup rates, including generational gaps, cultural shifts, limited access to capital and the impact of regulations. “It’s hard to pin it down exactly,” Hwang told…
Dundee Venture Capital tops goal with oversubscribed, $31M fund
In conjunction with welcoming a new partner to its ranks, regionally-focused fund Dundee Venture Capital recently surpassed its goal to raise a $30 million investment fund targeting Midwest startups. The Omaha-based fund announced that its third fund is oversubscribed at $31 million and will target startups in Kansas City, St Louis, Omaha, Lincoln, Denver, Indianapolis,…
Centriq Training buys St. Louis firm to become huge IT educator
After a recent acquisition, the Kansas City area’s largest information technology training company is set to become one of the biggest tech educators in the Midwest. Centriq Training announced Tuesday it purchased St. Louis-based Premier Knowledge Solutions in April for an undisclosed amount. The combined firms will offer virtual courses and in-person training in the…
Mid-America Angels makes 5 new investments, setting record pace
The Mid-America Angels Investment Network is maintaining its fast dealmaking pace in 2017. Based in Fairway Kan., the network recently closed on more than $1 million of investments, putting it on pace to once again exceed its annual investment totals. The new deals bring the value of the group’s total investments in 2017 to over…
Startland News wins 2017 EDCKC Cornerstone award
Thanks to a talented team and supportive community, I’m proud to announce that Startland News has won a 2017 Cornerstone Award. Presented by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City for 30 years, the Cornerstone Awards recognize people, projects, businesses, programs, initiatives and events that drive economic development and growth in Kansas City. On behalf…
Lyft and Kansas City may reunite thanks to new ride-sharing law
Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens on Monday signed legislation that could bring the ride-sharing company Lyft back to the Kansas City market. Passed with strong support from Missouri lawmakers, Gov. Greitens’ signature sets forth regulations for ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft, including licensing fees, background checks and inspections. Lyft halted its Kansas City operations…
Mobility Designed raises nearly $900K from iiM, local investors
The seed round for Kansas City-based Mobility Designed is approaching seven figures following the support of a local investment firm. Overland Park-based Innovation in Motion (iiM) recently joined the medical device startup’s round, which is approaching $900,000 and comprised mostly of individual investors. Led by CEO Liliana Younger, Mobility Designed created the M+D Crutch, a…
KC Smart City wins ‘Oscar of Innovation,’ a gold Edison Award
Validating a bold technology plan by a variety of public and private organizations, Kansas City’s Smart City initiative recently won a prestigious Edison Award for innovation. The City of Kansas City, Mo., Sprint, Cisco, Think Big Partners and other organizations won a gold award in the category of connected collaboration from the Edison Awards in…
Calling startups: KCMO wants to find new innovation partners
The City of Kansas City, Mo. is once again looking for entrepreneurs to help develop new innovations to improve the quality and efficiency of city services. The city is now accepting applications for its Innovation Partnership Program, which is now in its third year of working with entrepreneurs from around the world. The program offers…
Photo gallery: KC’s biggest coworking studio Plexpod Westport Commons
Launched in 2015, Plexpod Westport Commons recently opened its doors after completing phase one of the project to revamp a middle school to become a coworking campus. Read more about the project, or take a video walking tour here.