Bobby Burch
Recent Articles by Bobby Burch
Compute Midwest named top national tech conference
Consistently attracting futurists and tech leaders from around the U.S., Compute Midwest recently was named a national tech conference that shouldn’t be overlooked. Inc. Magazine included the annual, Kansas City-based conference on its “Top Tech Conferences You Can’t Miss This Fall” list, noting the event’s traditionally strong lineup of speakers. Presented by the Disruption institute,…
Can downtowners ditch the Dodge? Zipcar expands in Kansas City
Downtown Kansas City residents have another compelling reason to become car-less converts. The on-demand car rental service Zipcar is expanding its area presence to Kansas City’s downtown, providing its growing population another flexible transportation option. The international car-sharing service is beefing up local offerings — which already includes two cars at Kansas City International Airport…
Plexpod Westport Commons exhumes obscured mural of Kansas City
For an update on this piece, click here. Amid the dust and drilling at the yet-to-be-open Plexpod Westport Commons is a little-known artistic gem for Kansas City. At the heart of a project that marries history and innovation, the colossal coworking facility that was formerly Westport Junior High features a vibrant — albeit deteriorating —…
Kansas City streetcar app update arrives with roaring ridership
Has the popularity of the Kansas City Royals found its match with the Kansas City streetcar? No — probably not. But if you live in or around the City of Fountains, you probably know that its new downtown streetcar is quite popular. Since opening day, the streetcar has carried a total more than 645,000 passengers…
‘A relentless pursuit of perfection’ earns Niall national nod
Kansas City watching-making startup Niall recently topped a list of leading American-made watches. A publication that features social impact brands,The Good Trade dished a cornucopia of commendations to Niall, a two-year-old startup that’s surged in popularity and snagged headlines around the nation. The online media group made note of CEO Michael Wilson’s tireless pursuit of excellence with…
Ahead of KC Coworking Week, leaders dispel industry misconceptions
About a year ago, leaders in Kansas City’s coworking industry banded together in an alliance to bring awareness to their trade. The Kansas City Coworking Alliance has grown as a catalyst in the area startup community, promoting independent collaborative working among entrepreneurs and remote workers. Comprised of 10 studios around the metro, the group is…
Gratitude inspires study of Arabic, storytelling-mission for Techweek CEO
Polished and poised, Amanda Signorelli is one part executive and two parts storyteller. As CEO of Techweek, Signorelli leads a team whose mission is to highlight and catalyze innovation hubs outside Silicon Valley. Much like Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Signorelli’s organization is trumpeting the message that a vibrant tech community isn’t exclusive to trendy, Bay…
New Kansas City coworking studio draws Gov. Jay Nixon
While still under construction, Kansas City’s soon-to-be largest coworking studio made its public debut with the visit of Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon. A Democrat from De Soto, Mo., Nixon on Tuesday toured North Kansas City-based iWerx, a massive 33,000-square-feet coworking studio that plans to be open for business in September. iWerx also will house a…
Techweek KC aims for significant growth in 2016
With aggressive goals in mind, Techweek Kansas City is ramping up excitement for its second-annual festival of innovation and entrepreneurship in the City of Fountains. The national tech conference and media firm hosted a countdown party Monday in downtown Kansas City in which Techweek CEO Amanda Signorelli said she hopes to top the festival’s inaugural…
LaunchKC snags hundreds of hungry applicants
The popular grants competition LaunchKC again was met with an enthusiastic response by applicants. The competition — which will distribute $500,000 via 10, $50,000 non-dilutive grants — drew more than 400 tech startup applicants for the second year in a row. A panel of judges are now combing through the applications to find the top…