Chris Rehkamp, an experienced entrepreneurial ecosystem builder, has joined the KU Innovation Park team as its director of business services. Rehkamp has supported the launch and growth of new businesses for nearly a decade. An entrepreneur himself, Rehkamp most recently served as associate director of the Technology Venture Studio at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Innovation Center.
“The Park is thrilled to welcome Chris to the team. His experience aligns so well with the mission of the Park, and his passion for helping entrepreneurs is evident,” said Adam Courtney, CEO of the Park. “The knowledge and connections he brings to the role will be a huge advantage for the Park’s startups and entrepreneurs across the region.”
While at UMKC, Rehkamp represented the Kansas City region by participating in the MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program, which focused on advancing the region’s biologics ecosystem. Those efforts culminated when the region, which includes Lawrence, was designated as a Tech Hub by the U.S. Economic Development Administration in October 2023. Rehkamp started his career as the membership manager for Union Kitchen Food Accelerator in Washington, D.C. He then served as the student venture programs manager at the University of Maryland before consulting for entrepreneurs, teaching and founding a pizza business on the Hawaiian Islands.
“I’m excited to join the KU Innovation Park team and contribute to the mission of driving economic prosperity in the region through supporting our innovative companies,” Rehkamp said. “My passion is helping people and companies achieve their goals. The Park’s existing infrastructure and plans for future growth are a unique opportunity to help entrepreneurs succeed and positively impact our community.”
Rehkamp has a Master of Professional Studies in Technology Entrepreneurship from the University of Maryland. Startland News named Rehkamp a Community Builder to Watch in 2022. His first day at the Park is Monday, April 8.