Google Glass Tech Trek Sets Off July 11

Back in April, we were thrilled to announce the creation of Tech Trek--a Google Glass-enabled documentary that explores a number of different startup hubs, technologies and innovations throughout the country.  After finally receiving the Glass hardware, Think Big’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence Chris Shaw is ready to set off on his innovative journey. 

The Trek will explore five of the most innovative tech hubs: Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Boulder and Kansas City.  Along the way, Chris and his team will document the journey--from the startups they meet to the dare-devilish activities they complete...all through the frames of Google Glass.

Tech Trek has officially announced its dates as July 11-18, 2013.  The 8-day journey will follow the adventure of Chris Shaw (Think Big Partners), Blake Miller (Think Big Partners), Jason Grill (JGrill Media), Hampton Stevens (The Atlantic), Spencer Walsh (Piscator Media), Rigo Neri (CEO of Instin), Erik Wullschleger (Manager of Consumer Product Marketing at Sprint Nextel) and a representative from Hallmark. 

Stay tuned here as well as the Tech Trek blog for more updates from Chris and the Trekkers.  More announcements and updates soon to come...

Kansas City Named Tech Startup Hub by Entrepreneur.com

Big things are happening in Kansas City.  So big, in fact, that they are being recognized by the one and only Entrepreneur Magazine.  The entrepreneurial publication is beginning to turn its focus away from Silicon Valley and Silicon Alley to one of the emerging hubs in the central portion of the region...and it has zeroed in on Kansas City, Missouri.

Entrepreneur.com recently featured Kansas City in its 9 Cities You Wouldn't Think Are Hubs for Tech Startups.  Other booming cities such as Hoboken, Las Vegas, Portland and Boulder made the list, too.  But why is Kansas City #2 on the list?

According to Entrepreneur.com writer John Patrick Pullen, our beloved KC made the list for three reasons:

1.  Google Fiber:  Kansas City is preparing for an influx of innovation when it gets an instant tech infusion from Google Fiber, which will provide free, gigabit internet to 180 neighborhoods starting in October.  This announcement has led to the creation of Kansas City Hacker Homes, where entrepreneurs and developers can "couch surf" to use KC's Google Fiber service.

2. Launch KC: Launch KC is a city-sponsored initiative headed by Mayor Sly James to attract more startups with cheap office space and equipment subsidies.

3. Think Big Partners: Early-stage business incubator and startup accelerator TBP has been helping entrepreneurs launch and grow businesses since 2008.  With investments in local startups such as EyeVerify and inCharge, Think Big Partners is growing the entrepreneurial community, creating jobs and fostering startup growth.

Let's face it--Entrepreneur.com has got it right.  We could not be more proud to be a part of this flourishing tech startup hub.  Thanks to all of you entrepreneurs who are has made this honor possible.

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