Jeff Hornsby

Pipeline teams with UMKC to connect paid student consultants with Midwest founders

“Whether a founder is just getting started or scaling a company, there are almost always more opportunities and challenges than there are people available to work on them,” Melissa Vincent said. “Small teams are busy running the business, and strategic projects can keep getting pushed back, even when they could make a meaningful difference in the company’s growth.”

Regnier, Bloch family foundations invest $3M in UMKC venture challenge, resources

A just-announced $3 million gift is expected to transform UMKC’s flagship venture creation challenge — empowering new waves of student entrepreneurs — as well as enhance free business resources for local founders and builders. The Regnier Family Foundation and Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation partnered on the investment to create new opportunities for students and…

After exit: How Rx Savings Solutions’ $875M sale could mean opportunity for KC (even if details aren’t yet clear)

The years after a headline-grabbing acquisition can mean a “jump ball” for the ecosystem where the startup was grown, said Jeff Hornsby, acknowledging the various outcomes ahead when a hometown company gets new owners. Possibilities range from massive community reinvestment to staffing reductions and all-out relocation, though such moves aren’t mutually exclusive. “They may say…

UMKC celebrates Maria Meyers for driving social entrepreneurship, ecosystem building in KC

Kansas City’s most tenacious advocate, Maria Meyers has built far more than a legacy for herself, proclaimed Mary Bloch. “I first met Maria Meyers in the mid-90s when we were both involved in the renovation of Union Station,” Bloch, civic leader and daughter-in-law of H&R Bloch founder Henry W. Bloch, said as she recognized Meyers,…

Roy Scott, Reggie Gray, H3 Enterprises

H3 win at Regnier challenge puts Roy Scott $20K closer to his slice of $3B edtech market

The oversized novelty checks are piling up at H3 Enterprises’ headquarters in the Crossroads. Founder Roy Scott secured another $20,000 in prize money Friday, winning top honors in the Regnier Venture Creation Challenge. “We are continuing to grow and preparing to launch our new technology in schools across the country,” he said in social media…