Bobby Burch
Recent Articles by Bobby Burch
Black & Veatch constructs ideation platform with new accelerator
A new program at area construction giant Black & Veatch hopes to hatch and accelerate innovative ideas by adopting a concept common among startups. The Overland Park-based corporation recently created the B&V Growth Accelerator, which hopes to challenge the global firm’s traditional methods of generating and launching ideas. The internal program is led by nine…
KCMO transit plan sets route for automated shuttles to KCI airport
Area residents will ride to the airport on automated shuttles by 2020 if Kansas City officials have their way. In a note to the American Planning Association, Kansas City chief innovation officer Bob Bennett shared the city’s “three pillars” of its bid for a $50 million transportation award. The note details Kansas City’s pitch for…
Attention entrepreneurs: Deadline for LaunchKC grants approaching fast
Entrepreneurs in Kansas City and around the world have about one month left to apply for LaunchKC, a grant competition that hopes to boost the area’s growing tech sector. LaunchKC will distribute $500,000 — via 10, $50,000 non-dilutive grants — to tech entrepreneurs from around the globe in exchange for their relocation to Kansas City….
With $300M under management, Blooom is the fastest-growing robo advisor
Area financial tech startup Blooom has another trophy for its chest of commendations. The Leawood-based firm says its online tool to grow users’ 401(k)s has reached $300 million in assets under management in only 20 months. That swelling growth makes it the fastest-growing robo advisor ever — years faster than competitors in New York City…
Area gamemaker Shoutz partners with Pitbull for mobile arcade
Area tech firm Shoutz Inc. has launched a mobile gaming subsidiary that’s working with celebrity recording artist Pitbull. Overland Park-based Shoutz Inc. recently announced the founding of GameRail, which partnered with Pitbull to offer a variety of casino-style games in both English and Spanish. The PitBull Arcade — which features the artist’s image — offers…
Futuristic transportation vision for Kansas City includes self-driving buses
Kansas City hopes a pioneering vision for public transportation will help it emerge as the top contender for a $50 million award. Kansas City is one of seven finalists for the “Beyond Traffic Smart City Challenge,” which will dish $50 million to a mid-sized city dealing with rapidly-changing transportation needs. With stiff competition from tech…
Kansas City’s east side to receive free wireless gigabit network
Kansas City is diligently continuing work to become the most connected city on earth. Three organizations are now working to create a free, large-scale wireless gigabit network on Kansas City’s east side. The project — led by Siklu Communications, the Urban Neighborhood Initiative and KC Digital Drive — will help eliminate cost barriers to help…
Gallery: The Sprint Mobile Accelerator’s demo day
The Techstars-led Sprint Mobile Accelerator held its third demo day on Tuesday. Hundreds of Kansas Citians trekked to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts to watch 10 startups from around the world deliver pitches on their tech firms. Learn more about the event and the future of the accelerator here. Check out photos or a…
Regardless of Sprint support, Techstars ‘committed to Kansas City’
The expiration of Sprint’s three-year agreement with Techstars to fund the Kansas City-based Sprint Mobile Accelerator is opening up new opportunities for both firms. Sprint — which has funded the accelerator’s operations for three years while Techstars has managed the program — is now examining support of the accelerator by exploring new corporate and civic…
ESPN, MLB Network features Eon Sports virtual reality tech
Eon Sports VR, a Kansas City-based virtual reality firm, is making waves in the world of professional sports after tapping former New York Yankee Jason Giambi as an advisor. Led by CEO Brendan Reilly, Eon Sports’ tech has been featured by the likes of ESPN, CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated, the MLB Network, Fox Business and…