The first part of the year is always busy here at RiverPoint. Each year the hiring frenzy begins as new budgets are released. As we look forward to 2014 here are some of the things we feel are cause for optimism for the KC Tech market.
Incubators
thinkBIG partnered with Microsoft Ventures. Microsoft has set up incubators in Tel Aviv, Bangladore, Bejing, Paris, Berlin, and now they've set up shop right here in Kansas City. It's a great opportunity if you have an idea, but aren't quite sure how to build it into a tech business.
TechStars (the #1 business Accelerator in the world) partnered with Sprint to give 10 companies seed money and support to develop Mobile Health solutions.
The KC Startup Village will also continue to provide opportunities for tech entrepreneurs in 2014. A list of other business incubators can be found here at the KCNext site.
Market News
Cerner opened their new 4,000 seat campus near the Kansas Speedway last year with bigger plans for the future. The Bannister Mall project expects to have the first employees on the campus by 2016.
YRC has some room to breathe after the contract the Teamsters voted down in December was renegotiated & accepted. They aren't out of the woods yet, but this contract will give lenders confidence in restructuring YRC's debt and allowing them to continue operations. There's no doubt this is good news for the KC job market in general.
FreightQuote announced they would hire 400 brokers today. More brokers means more business which will drive more job demand for this technology driven company.
All in all there's a lot to be excited about in 2014. 2013 was RiverPoint's 25th anniversary and we're excited for the first year of the next 25.
