Jim Starcev, Program Manager – Innovation & Entrepreneurship at KC Drive Digital, joins Remy Blaire to discuss Kansas City’s emerging role as a national leader in digital innovation. The conversation begins with Jim providing an overview of KC Digital Drive, an organization founded after Kansas City became the first Google Fiber City. Its mission focuses on closing the digital divide and fostering tech innovation, making emerging technologies accessible through public-private partnerships that emphasize equity, education, and economic opportunity.
Jim, a lifelong Kansas City resident with 25 years of experience in the tech and financial services sectors, shares insights into the unique landscape of the region. He highlights the presence of major financial services companies, such as DST, H&R Block, and American Century, which contribute to Kansas City’s reputation as a quiet powerhouse in the industry. Jim explains how this talent pool is naturally transitioning into the digital assets space, particularly with the rise of blockchain technology.
The discussion shifts to the challenges of navigating policy in a bi-state area, as Kansas City spans two states, complicating the regulatory environment. Jim emphasizes the ongoing efforts by local authorities, including the Kansas Department of Commerce, to create policies that encourage innovation and attract capital. He notes the significant growth in venture capital funds over the past decade, aimed at supporting startups and tech initiatives in the region.
Remy and Jim also explore the critical role of public-private partnerships in driving innovation. Jim shares a recent success story involving a New York-based company that is relocating its innovation office to Kansas City, bringing nearly 2,000 jobs with it. This development exemplifies the collaborative efforts between civic organizations and private enterprises to enhance the local tech ecosystem.