Erik Pedersen
Network Kansas exec passing CEO torch to decades-long collaborator who co-built the entrepreneur resource community
With the duo starting their jobs at Network Kansas just two weeks apart, Erik Pedersen feels like a co-founder, said Steve Radley. Now, 21 years later, the organization’s first employee is preparing to depart, leaving his longtime friend and colleague to step into the top role.
Network Kansas-backed collaborators ignite new entrepreneur training in Douglas County
TOPEKA — A northeast Kansas entrepreneur training program aimed at exploring and validating new business ideas is expanding into Lawrence and Douglas County — deepening equitable opportunities and boosting regional resources, said Michael Odupitan. Organizers are widening access to the Ignite: New Venture Discovery program, through a new collaboration between the Shawnee Startups eCommunity — housed at…
K-State opens physical innovation hub space to boost research, economic development
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. MANHATTAN, Kansas — A newly unveiled collaborative office space at Kansas State University is expected to catalyze research commercialization, industry partnerships and economic growth, said Richard Linton. “This new space…
‘Work to support our innovators is never done’: NXTUS leadership transition follows massive impact expansion
WICHITA — NXTUS, a nonprofit working to connect startup founders with community resources, capital and customers, on Tuesday announced a top-level leadership change while celebrating milestones in the rollout of its work to help innovators and entrepreneurs grow “companies of significance” in Kansas. Mary Beth Jarvis, who joined Wichita-based NXTUS as executive director in August 2019,…
