Elyssa Bezner
Reporter
Recent Articles by Elyssa Bezner
Facing failure? Think about the bad ideas first
Entrepreneurs need to stop glamorizing the startup world, and recognize the inevitable burnout or failure involved, said Danielle Lehman. Lehman, founder of Kansas City-based consulting firm Boxer & Mutt, knows about failure, she told a crowd Friday at Global Entrepreneurship Week, noting a list of startups that she was involved in, including MySpace, that didn’t…
On the TechWalk runway: This is what real KC Women in Tech look like
Tech careers are available to everyone, said Ventura Rangel. Kansas City Women in Technology, a nonprofit dedicated to growing the number of women in technology careers, played host to its second annual TechWalk fashion show, showcasing female tech professionals on the runway, said Rangel, event director for KCWiT. The goal is to inspire young girls…
Lawrence-based Ainstein predicts radar tech will push self-driving automotive advances
From Kansas, Ainstein’s radar technology can have a profound impact on industries across the globe, said Zongbo Wang. “We wanted to design radar that can be very affordable and play different roles in the industry,” said Wang, CEO of the radar tech firm. “Over the past three years, we’ve experienced a time of tremendous growth.”…
Fiercely independent, together: CoCreate KC feeds talent through coworking pipeline
A new coworking space in the Crossroads — CoCreate KC — plans to mix commercial and fine artists to stoke creative energy, with each member able to lend their talents to the founding firm, BrandWell Partners, said Brad Lang. “There are so many Kansas City, successful freelancers out there working on the ground,” said Lang, co-founder…
VIDEO: Kritiq designs more emotional KC runway show with Goodwill crossover
When the Kritiq fashion show returns to the runway later this month, it will be an event styled with creativity and an intimate feel, said Mark Launiu, noting a new partnership with Goodwill stores across Kansas and Missouri. “For me, I grew up shopping at Goodwill, my family still shops at Goodwill, so it kind…
Against the grain: Coworking leader bringing alcohol-free ‘Sans Bar’ pop-up concept to KC
Entrepreneur events should focus less on alcohol, and more on connections, said Melissa Saubers. “Part of my goal is to help educate and bring awareness to people who are hosting events — and also have alcohol in the workplace — to help them be more sensitive and inclusive for people who don’t drink,” said Saubers,…
BlackTech Week curating GEW conversation between founders with ‘true experiences’
Bringing BlackTech Week to Kansas City for a day — and debuting the event series during Global Entrepreneurship Week — seemed like a natural fit, said Denayja Reese. The Miami-based festival draws together black entrepreneur leaders who already are championing the startup hustle of their communities, she said. Powered by Code Fever, which was founded…
Saudi Arabian investment pushing KC’s WISE Power into Nigeria, Japan, Middle East markets
The multimillion-dollar investment from a Saudi Arabian accelerator and capital firm is pushing WISE Power from the West Bottoms to global growth, said Kevin Williams. “The injection will allow us to expand quickly to get this technology out to the world, which was what our original intent was with WISE Power,” said Williams, founder of…
Teach for America KC celebrating 10 years building entrepreneurs to fight education inequity
Dividends from Teach for America KC swelled Rachel Foster’s development as a teacher and community member invested in Kansas City, the leader in innovation-driven education said. “I owe everything, it feels like, to Teach for America,” said Foster, Young Entrepreneurial Spirit program leader at Lee A. Tolbert Community Academy. “The fruits keep coming in for…
Don’t just play the game: MECA Challenge urges students to innovate ‘school of the future’
Challenging Kansas City students to envision “the school of the future” will usher in a paradigm shift wherein teens can see themselves as customers of school, said Katie Kimbrell optimistically. “[Students] don’t even think, ‘Oh, I could rethink this whole thing that I’m experiencing,’ and choose — or even demand — something different,” said Kimbrell,…