Bobby Burch
Recent Articles by Bobby Burch
Applications open for Missouri tech funding
Ready your typing fingers, entrepreneurs. The Missouri Technology Corporation recently opened applications for its IDEA Fund, a program that will match other capital investments in high-growth tech companies. The MTC, a public-private organization that makes investments in Missouri tech companies, is currently accepting applications for four of its IDEA programs, three of which are tailored…
DataLocker acquisition to boost encryption offerings
Overland Park-based data security firm DataLocker recently acquired a Swedish tech firm that will expand its encryption technologies. DataLocker on Tuesday announced the acquisition of BlockMaster, a USB security tech company, for an undisclosed amount. The deal will augment DataLocker’s encryption management platform that allows its clients to track the use and location of sensitive…
Fast-growing Wardy connects fashion, film industries
Sometimes, niche is best. At least that rationale is working well for Wardy, a Kansas City-area firm whose tech is connecting the film and fashion industries and finding traction around the country. Wardy president Chris Palmer said that his Lee’s Summit-based company’s mobile- and web-based app is designed to save time for costume designers, a…
U.S. Secretary of Commerce praises KC entrepreneurship
A member of President Obama’s cabinet met with local entrepreneurs Tuesday to discuss how federal funds have helped accelerate their businesses, and in turn grow Kansas City. In a stop to Kansas City during the National Council of La Raza, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker met with companies that have participated in business incubator…
KC tech firm’s video app records $600K
A local tech firm is planning to accelerate development of its mobile video application thanks to some new funding. Kansas City-based Digital Legacy landed $600,000 in May to fund the creation of its “VideoFizz” app, which allows a group of users to collaborate on a personalized video message for birthdays, anniversaries and other special events. Missouri…
The future’s around the corner at KC’s Compute Midwest
Bold ideas with the promise to revolutionize tomorrow are heading to the City of Fountains for a growing technology conference. Now in its fourth year, Compute Midwest is set to explore technologies and ideas transforming the future, including space travel, self-driving cars and artificial intelligence. In addition to learning about the latest in technology, Compute…
Tour the UMKC Entrepreneur Hall of Fame
Startland News took the opportunity Friday to tour the UMKC Entrepreneur Hall of Fame, which opened in late 2014. The hall aims not only to educate visitors on remarkable Kansas City businesspeople, but also celebrate the area’s entrepreneurial spirit. Enjoy!
Acre Designs to build KC’s first ‘net-zero’ home
A local design and architecture firm is building the Kansas City metro’s first net-zero home that will serve as a test lab for innovators aiming to create new smart home technologies. Acre Designs is now wrapping up design plans of its “Axiom House,” a 1,650 square-foot, solar-powered home that eventually will serve as a test…
Ashton Kutcher backs former KC-based startup Neighborly
It appears Kansas City may have let a promising startup slip through its fingers. Formerly based in Kansas City and now headquartered in San Francisco, Neighborly landed an investment and sparkling endorsement from venture capitalist superstar Ashton Kutcher. An actor and active tech investor, Kutcher founded venture capital firm Sound Ventures, which dished out one…
Brad Feld contest offering a startup free rent in KC
A prominent venture capitalist is launching an international competition in Kansas City that will offer a startup free office space in one of the area’s tech hotbeds. Brad Feld, co-founder of the Boulder-based Foundry Group, kicked off a contest Tuesday that will allow a startup to live in his Kansas City, Kan., home for one-year…