Bobby Burch
Recent Articles by Bobby Burch
Digital Sandbox partners with Olathe to lift startups
Business incubator Digital Sandbox KC is widening its reach to suburban Kansas City. Digital Sandbox is partnering with the City of Olathe, Kan., to help launch businesses and boost entrepreneurship with its proof-of-concept model. The organization invests up to $25,000 in businesses for specific projects that help them secure additional funding. “Digital Sandbox has done…
FCC commissioner Ajit Pai visits with local entrepreneurs
In a reunion trip to Kansas City, a federal communications official visited with entrepreneurs and business leaders to discuss the effects of high-speed Internet access in the area. Ajit Pai, a commissioner with the Federal Communications Commission, stopped by the Kansas City Startup Village Thursday on a tour to gain more information on broadband expansion…
New focus at Sprint Accelerator hopes to lure local firms
Now wrapped up with its second startup class, the Sprint Mobile Health Accelerator has begun prepping for its new mission in 2016. Instead of focusing specifically on mobile health technologies, the Techstars-led accelerator will broadly welcome startups in all mobile technology. The Kansas City-based accelerator welcomes about 10 startups each year from around the world…
Local investor Keith Harringtonearns prestigious VC fellowship
A Kansas City-area investor that was recently accepted into an esteemed venture capital fellowship in Silicon Valley hopes to leverage the program to better his hometown. Keith Harrington, managing director at the Kansas Bioscience Authority, was accepted into the Kauffman Fellows program for venture capitalists. The program aims to enhance venture capitalists’ capabilities and grow…
1 Million Cups presenters have shot at $10K
One of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s most popular programs, 1 Million Cups, will soon be offering entrepreneurs more than its typical morning refreshments. Program leaders announced Wednesday that it’s launching the “One in a Million” competition, in which former presenters in the program could snag $10,000. Now in more than 70 cities worldwide, 1…
DivvyHQ raises $1.8M for marketing tech
Kansas City-based DivvyHQ is ready to hit the gas after its latest investment round that will more than double its team. The marketing tech firm recently closed on a $1.8 million Series A round to boost its staff headcount and marketing outreach. Investors in the round include Dallas-based venture capital firm DAN Fund, Dundee Venture…
Mental health startup Start Talking goes mobile, scores $150K in tax credits
Depression affects about one out of every 10 Americans, including at one time Start Talking founder Mark Nolte. While a rough time in his life, Nolte’s struggle with depression in 2010 eventually led him to launch a venture that’s more easily connecting people with the help they need. Lenexa-based Start Talking offers patients a psychotherapy…
Video: KC women in tech talk challenges, engagement
While Kansas City ranks as a top locale for ladies in technology, there’s still work to be done to create more gender diversity in the industry. This video — created in collaboration with Kansas City Public Television and videographer Brad Austin — explores some of the challenges that women face in a male-dominated field and how to engage more women…
3 local businessmen named EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year
Three Kansas City area businesspeople recently snagged one of the most prestigious awards for entrepreneurs. EY announced Monday the winners of the Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 for the central Midwest, which included three businessmen from the Kansas City metro area. Those receiving the commendation included: Jody Brazil, CEO of FireMon; Matthew Perry, President of…
Women flex their tech muscles at KC conference
Framed by a LEGO guitar and robotic vehicle, Rheanne Walton and Emma Howard anxiously review notes at their podium as dozens of technology experts await their pitch. The middle-school students are visiting the Kansas City Developers Conference to share the story of their all-girl robotics team, MindSTEM, and how it competes in the FIRST LEGO…