Latest Stories
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.”…
Hustle in the making: Startups scaling ‘maker’ concept with high-growth models (Photos)
Andy Talbert is in no way crafty, the Snow Pops co-founder said. “At all,” he emphasized, eliciting laughter from the crowd at Startland’s “Hustle in the Making” Innovation Exchange. The event — sponsored by Plexpod and Polsinelli — explored the evolving spectrum of startup businesses that could be considered “makers” in modern entrepreneurial culture. Kansas…
Innovation district will look to black community for insight, McGinnis tells GEW crowd
Developing an innovation district takes a village, Kevin McGinnis told a packed room of Global Entrepreneurship Week attendees — a cross-section of Kansas Citians eager to learn more about how his proposed Keystone innovation district could re-shape diversity and inclusion efforts in the startup space. “I’m not going to suggest that I’m bringing a bunch…
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…
Top 10 remaining GEW events: Midwest funding, women startup leaders, social media marketing
Nearing the midpoint of Global Entrepreneurship Week, snowy weather turned to sunny skies — welcoming entrepreneurs and curious citizens alike to a wide range of activities rounding out the week. Wednesday is expected to feature some of the week’s most popular workshops and panels, according to KCSourceLink data, with three of the leading events running…
VIDEO: Education startups earn $60K in LEANLAB grants at revamped Launch[ED] Day
The work doesn’t end with LEANLAB Education’s Launch[ED] Day celebration, said Katie Boody. Four of the accelerator’s fellows will continue their startups’ research thanks to $60,000 in grant investments. The entrepreneur-led education ventures took the stage Thursday to pitch their companies to the Launch[ED] crowd at Plexpod Westport Commons, as well as to describe the…
Farmobile’s Jason Tatge: Why venture capitalists can’t afford to fly over Midwest startups
Savvy investors are turning their attention to the Midwest. Leading VC firms and investors are fleeing from the high prices, the groupthink and the cutthroat competition of the coasts and turning to the heart of the United States for their next moonshots. And yet, the Midwest attracts just 7 percent of VC capital, a tiny…
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,…
On the agenda: What are GEW’s 10 most popular events so far? Practical workshops
With more than 170 events planned, organizers of Global Entrepreneurship Week already are seeing registration trends from those building their weeklong agendas at GEWKC.org Topping the most popular are GEW’s kickoff breakfast — set to explore the future in terms of emerging Latino markets, transportation and the Hyperloop, and sports technology — and Marquita Miller’s…
