Pipeline’s Innovator of the Year Jan. 24th

Midwest organization Pipeline will host its annual Innovator of The Year award ceremony where they will also announce this year’s new class of entrepreneurs on January 24, 2013. Although the evening ceremony is sold out, a waitlist is available.  There are still spots available for the daytime sessions where the program’s entrepreneurs will showcase the businesses they've built.

The evening festivities will be held at The Midland Theater beginning at 6:00pm on January 24, 2013. Pipeline’s high energy event is the culmination of hard work of the entrepreneurs and mentors involved. Additional entertainment will be provided by performing arts group Quixotic.  This infamous KC company will bring a unique blend of mesmerizing lighting effects and enthralling dance to entertain Innovator of the Year attendees. 

If you weren't able to land a ticket this year but would still like to attend the entrepreneurial showcase during the day, there are spots still available. The daytime sessions will be held at the historic Muehlebach Hotel located at 200 West 12^th Street in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Beginning at 9:00am, entrepreneurs from across the Midwest will present their businesses. The daytime session will conclude at 4:00pm so national judges Scott Case, Dr. Magda Marquet, and Thom Ruhe can fulfill their duties. The winner will be announced later on at the evening ceremony at The Midland Theater.

We here at Think Big wish all the best to the entrepreneurs and commend Pipeline’s efforts in contributing to make Kansas City America’s most entrepreneurial city.

Announcing Think Big Ventures I and First Investment in EyeVerify

Think Big Partners , a Kansas City based early-stage business incubator and technology-focused startup accelerator, announced the launch of its first venture fund, Think Big Ventures I, along with its first venture investment, EyeVerify.

Think Big Ventures I will primarily focus on early-stage, technology-focused web services, apps, software and related opportunities. The fund will also have a preference for highly scalable business models that involve the consumer, established intellectual property, experienced management teams and strong addressable market potential.

With the first close of the fund, Think Big Partners is pleased to announce its first investment in Kansas City-based startup, EyeVerify.  EyeVerify is a software startup that brings to market an authentication module that utilizes cameras on mobile devices to take images of an eye to use as a unique biometric identifier.  The software allows mobile users to capture an image of their eye in the place of entering a password to access their mobile phone.  Toby Rush, founder and CEO of EyeVerify, is a serial entrepreneur and graduate of the PIPELINE Entrepreneurial Immersion Program. 

“The Think Big Ventures investment is one with a lot of smart, experienced people involved,” said Toby Rush, founder and CEO of EyeVerify.  “This fund will allow us to network and connect with others on a much higher level.  Think Big Ventures has extra impact behind it simply because of the people involved, their expertise and experience as founders.” 

Think Big Ventures managers Herb Sih and Tyler Prochnow will manage the fund and will utilize an investment committee process to determine investment decisions. The fund will draw benefit from relationships previously established by Think Big Partners, in addition to searching for the right startup companies across the nation, especially the Midwest.

“We believe we have something unique to offer today’s smart startup. Smart money comes in many forms,” said Tyler Prochnow, senior partner at Think Big Partners. “Our network of advisors, mentors and strategic partners, combined with our milestone-based, dosed capital mentality, aligns everyone’s interests while still allowing us to remain objective and highly disciplined in execution.”

Learn more about Think Big Ventures by following Think Big on Twitter: @thinkbigKC

AudioAnywhere Snags PIPELINE Innovator of the Year Award and Saves the Music Industry

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR

Kyle Johnson, CEO and founder of AudioAnywhere, walked away with the Innovator of the Year award at the PIPELINE event last week in Kansas City, Kansas.  Johnson was selected after a competition that included a refined business plan, a pitch to an expert panel and a score carried over from performance during the fellowship year.

AudioAnywhere was inducted into PIPELINE’s 2011 class where it underwent an intense startup curriculum that included pitch practice, mentorship and coaching.  The 2012 Innovator of the Year event was Johnson’s final milestone as a participant in the PIPELINE program.

“Winning is an honor,” said Johnson after the event.  “This gives us the opportunity to help out with the PIPELINE program.  With the announcement comes a great deal of expectation and I will continue to be a part of the program.  It’s an honor and an obligation, but I am excited to help out with it.”

According to audience members and judges, Johnson not only prepped to deliver his AudioAnywhere pitch, but he was also ready to engage in lively question-and-answer discussions with judges.

“It was fun being questioned by Lars Perkins,” commented Johnson.  “We had a lively exchange and it entertained the audience.  It was a good interaction.  But at the end, I thought to myself, ‘I’m either first or last!’”

AudioAnywhere, a client of Kansas City-based startup accelerator Think Big Partners, has built an advertising platform to more effectively monetize free media content, which in effect, could contribute to reviving the online music industry.  AudioAnywhere will provide online music sites with better advertisements that generate more revenue per song.  With AudioAnywhere’s solution, the music industry could yield 10 times the income of today’s online audio ads.  WithAudio Anywhere, online advertisements are produced to reach the right target market on sites such as Spotify and Pandora. 

With the Innovator of the Year title under his belt, Johnson hopes to effectively launch and grow AudioAnywhere this year.  Once AudioAnywhere has launched, it will begin to generate revenue and eventually, help online music companies like Pandora and Spotify improve their own financial situations.  Johnson also hopes to kick start his capital campaign and continue his venture capital push. 

“I wasn’t expecting this,” said Johnson of the win.  “A lot of folks believe in our company, but we had no idea we would win.  Now, we can help to save the music industry.”


Follow AudioAnywhere! @AudioAnywhere
Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

Kauffman Super Bowl Commercial Asks Entrepreneurs, "Will It Be You?"

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR

In 1967, a 30-second commercial spot cost approximately $42,000 during the Super Bowl.  In 2012, it costs about $3.5 million.

And although the costs seem outrageous, large companies still fork over millions and millions of dollars on Super Bowl advertisements.  But who can blame them?  Half of the country tunes into the Super Bowl just for the commercials alone.  They're attention-grabbers.  They're entertaining.  They're memorable.  Who could ever forget the Bud-Wei-Ser frog commercial?  Or the young Darth Vader commercial for Volkswagon?

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is hoping to make the same memorable impression on viewers on this year's Super Bowl Sunday by launching its first-ever public service announcement aimed at sparking the interest of potential entrepreneurs.

The Kauffman PSA boldly asks the question that many entrepreneurs face every day: Will it be you?

The Kauffman Super Bowl ad, which was leaked online yesterday, guides interested entrepreneurs to Kauffman's newest site, willitbeyou.com, where it displays information for startups about inspiration, networking, creation, mentoring and capital raising.  The website features popular resources provided by Kauffman including iStart (utilized in Kansas City's Gigabit Challenge business plan competition), Startup Weekend, Global Entrepreneurship Week, Startup America, UEP, Maker Faire, PIPELINE and many others.

"As jobs and the economy take center stage this election year, the Kauffman Foundation wants both policymakers and the public to be aware of the importance of entrepreneurs to solving our economic crisis," said Wendy Guillies, Kauffman's vice president of communications, in a recent press release.  "The most-watched television event of the year is the ideal opportunity for Kauffman to inspire entrepreneurs and, in the spirit of Super Bowl advertising, to do so in a fun and accessible manner."

The Kauffman PSA validates the growing movement of entrepreneurship not only in Kansas City, but in hundreds of cities across the nation.  Entrepreneurship is growing to a level that is so big that it needs to market in tandem with the most-watched event on television, the Super Bowl.  This notion reinforces the fact that entrepreneurship is not just important, it's essential; essential for job creation, essential for a recovering economy, essential for overall growth.

The willitbeyou.com commercial from Kauffman will air on Super Bowl Sunday (January 5, 2012) in some of the nation's largest television markets including New York City, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and of course, in Kauffman's own home of Kansas City.

The Kauffman Super Bowl commercial, which takes the form of Kauffman's popular "Sketchbook" theme, proudly states that the next great entrepreneur is out there...and it could be anybody.  Will it be you?

Follow Kauffman! @KauffmanFDN
Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

Mixing Paint and Mingling Entrepreneurs: PIPELINE Innovator of the Year Comes to KC Jan. 26

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR

PIPELINE, the premier Entrepreneurial Fellowship Program for high-growth entrepreneurs, will launch the first ever Regional PIPELINE Fellowship class this Thursday, January 26th.  In tandem with the launch, PIPELINE will also celebrate the past five years of accelerating the best and brightest technology entrepreneurs at the Innovator of the Year event.  This event will bring together hard-to-pin-down successful entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, advisors and thought-leaders from around the nation for an all-day event of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.  

The day will feature a competition for the PIPELINE Innovator of the Year, gathering of the entire alumni and mentor community, discussions with national leaders around trends and strategies for entrepreneurs and loads of high-impact networking.  But what else can you expect at IOTY?

• Innovator of the Year Competition
• National Expert Panel on "Entrepreneurs and the Creative Edge"
• Networking with local, regional and national attendees
• Innovator of the Year event in the evening 

Be sure to bring your creativity!  The PIPELINE Innovator of the Year event has an art-focus this year and will blend together two of Kansas City's most prominent initiatives; art and entrepreneurship.  

Register to buy a table or simply a ticket at this year's PIPELINE Innovator of the Year event!  Register now to claim your seat (tickets often sell out!).  

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

PIPELINE Infuses Art and Entrepreneurship at Innovator of the Year Event

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR


Colorful.  Agile.  Unique.  Rare vision.  These may be words to describe Kansas City art, but do they describe Kansas City entrepreneurs too?


One Kansas City organization thinks so.  PIPELINE, a Kansas-based entrepreneurial fellowship is hosting the Innovator of the Year event which will highlight the creativity and artistry of entrepreneurs and artists in a creative and collaborative Kansas City atmosphere.


The day will feature a competition for the PIPELINE Innovator of the Year, gathering of the entire alumni and mentor community, discussions with national leaders around trends and strategies for entrepreneurs and loads of high impact networking.


The evening will also feature a multi-media dinner event, showcasing the entire PIPELINE network.  Attendees should expect to meet local entrepreneurs, members of the national network and the local Kansas PIPELINE team.


This year, the IOTY event is sure to blow all other events out of the water.  Given the recent $800,000 infusion from the Kauffman Foundation to expand PIPELINE across the region, it seems like this event will be worth attending.


On January 26, 2012, kick the New Year off right and celebrate entrepreneurship and art in Kansas City at One Night.  One Canvas.  Unlimited Expression. - The Innovator of the Year Event.  Register for the PIPELINE event on the Innovator of the Year's Eventbrite page.  Tickets will cost $175 and tables run for $1,750.


Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

An Entrepreneur's Last Chance: Kansas City PIPELINE Application Deadline Today!

Have you ever heard the phrase "luck is preparation meeting opportunity"?

You've prepared your business idea; scrutinized the business plan, held countless meetings with your business partner, even developed a logo, website and business cards.  But have you found the right oopportunity to officially launch your business?

The opportunity is at your fingertips today, entrepreneurs.  Today is the last chance to appy for the PIPELINE immersion program--an initiative designed to identify the most talented, high-growth technology entrepreneurs in the Midwest and propel their dynamic growth. 

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree, must be currently running or launching a technology business in the Midwest and must have at least three years of business or scientific management experience. 

That's right; tonight at midnight is the final deadline to apply for PIPELINE's 2012 Class of Innovators.  Apply today and finally find that moment when preparation meets opportunity.  Best of luck and Think Big!

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Become the Region's Fastest Growing Entrepreneur with PIPELINE

Do you have what it takes to become the Midwest's next entrepreneurial superstar?  Are you an innovator, creative thinker or startup guru who is passionate, driven and collaborative?  Do you see your business driving you toward startup stardom?  Then what are you waiting for?  Get started!  And get started with PIPELINE.

PIPELINE, the nation's premier technology entrepreneur immersion program, has opened its applications for the next fastest-growing entrepreneurs to join the regional PIPELINE class. 

Watch the video by clicking on the link below and find out why you should join the PIPELINE class!

Watch the PIPELINE video!

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

Who Will Be Named PIPELINE's Innovator of the Year?

A ukulele that grates vegetables.  Pants with a stool attached to them.  A place to store chewed gum.  Gloves that stop nicotine addiction.  A wind-powered coffee grinder.

These are just a few of the wacky (yet impressive) innovations that were created at the Dunedin Fringe Festival in 2010.  And it’s these types of innovations that leave us asking: where do people come up with this stuff!?

No, we’re not asking you to come up with the electronic Kleenex, or a device that washes your hands as you open the door (but wouldn’t that be nice?).  But if you’re a visionary, an innovator, or a creative thinker, you may be interested in PIPELINE’s “Innovator of the Year”.



PIPELINE's "Innovator of the Year" Competition takes place
on January 27th.



The PIPELINE Entrepreneurial Fellowship Program is hosting “Innovator of the Year” on January 27^th at the Overland Park Sheraton.  This competition caps off the final stage of the PIPELINE fellowship year—the nation’s premier technology entrepreneurship fellowship program, founded by the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation (KTEC).  At this event, PIPELINE Innovators are inviting you to take a moment to celebrate and encourage entrepreneurial success—and to recognize the people and organizations who are helping them get there. 

Last week, PIPELINE announced the judging team of the competition, which includes Dr. Kristina Johnson, Former Under Secretary of Energy; Peter Brown, Chairman and Founder of Grassmere Partners LLC; Bo Fishback, President of Kauffman Labs of Enterprise Creation, and Brian Gorbett, Microsoft Director of Startups Central Region.

The judges will have full participation in the day and evening events, and will share their insights with the crowd during a PIPELINE “Entrepreneurial and Innovation Trends” panel after the competition and before the evening event.

This competition to be the most anticipated event in PIPELINE’s 5-year history with more than 75% of tickets sold within the first week.

We’re excited to see what kind of innovations come out of PIPELINE’s “Innovator of the Year” competition!  No matter how wacky, inspirational, innovative, or revolutionary they may be, one thing is for sure—innovators and creative thinkers are uniting entrepreneurial communities by Thinking Big!

Written by Allison Way.  Allison is a writer and videographer for Think Big Partners, Kansas City’s mentorship-based business incubator and startup accelerator.  To read more of Allison’s work, please visit the Kansas City Entrepreneurship Examiner or her articles on Helium, Newsvine, BrooWaha and eZine. 

Kansas Entrepreneurs - Pipeline Opens Application Window for 2011 Fellowship

It’s been said that “it’s lonely at the top! “ How true this is, especially if you are a modern entrepreneur in today’s world!

How do you achieve top performance as an entrepreneur and learn from the best? One way, is through high quality education in an environment that fosters collaboration among leading entrepreneurs and experts from various fields across the country. One of these programs is the Pipeline Entrepreurial Immersion Program. Now in its fourth year of operations, the Kansas-based PIPELINE Entrepreneurial Fellowship Program is a nationally-acclaimed leader in the field of entrepreneurial development for high growth entrepreneurs.

This intensive program blends the best techniques from the fields of leadership training, business coaching and venture capital, and the latest thinking from America’s leading entrepreneurial experts. It combines these ingredients with extensive network building for the Pipeline fellows – and helps them to develop strong peer networks to support them over the course of their entire career.

If this sounds like a program for you – and you are prepared for the challenge that comes with this great opportunity – then you should apply now for this program. The application window is open until October 4th, 2010.

If you are serious about being a successful entrepreneur, this program is one to consider. While only open to Kansas residents, it has already made a difference in many entrepreneurs lives, and perhaps it can for you too.

For more information, go to http://www.kansaspipeline.org/ or contact Joni Cobb who does a great job in running the program.