Photo Credit: Brandon Parigo, UMKC Division of Strategic Marketing and Communications
On March 1, a panel of Kansas City’s emerging entrepreneurial stars spoke to Bloch students, faculty and community supporters at a special First Wednesdays presentation.
Moderated by Bobby Burch, Editor-in-Chief of Startland News, panelists included:
Kris Adair, Co-founder of Mycroft, the world’s first open source voice assistant
Sanjay Gupta, Chief Operating Officer of C2FO, a financial technology company and the creator of the first market for working capital
Chris Smith, Founder of Athlete Network, the nation’s largest online network for athletes
Below are a few insights these innovators shared about their personal journeys, and advice they have for aspiring entrepreneurs.
What have you learned as your business has evolved?
Chris Smith: “The great thing about being a startup is that you’re able to adapt quickly. Keep your angle, but pivot how you do it.”
Kris Adair: “Beginning a startup is like jumping off a cliff and building a plane on the way down. Being able to adapt as you go is critical.”