Bonanza Educational brings Legos and tech together

Whether it’s building the Millennium Falcon or a walking robot, Legos can be used for educational purposes and as an outlet for teaching technology. Chandler-based educational enrichment program company Bonanza Educational, LLC is providing a multitude of programs for students and the community to learn topics that aren’t always taught in schools, including an Intro … Read more

Gangplank Chandler to host 6th Startup Weekend

Entrepreneurs around the Valley who are looking to create a business will soon have another opportunity to do so in their own backyard. Coworking space Gangplank Chandler is hosting their 6th Startup Weekend November 20-22. Entrepreneurs and creatives are encouraged to attend and take on the challenge of building a business in a weekend. “Since … Read more

Data mining platform Expanded.IO releases Beta, raises $2.5M

Robocog known for its flagship recruitment search engine HiringSolved, is releasing their latest creation Expanded.IO, a data mining platform for lead generation, in beta July 15. In addition, they recently closed on $2.5 million round led by private investors outside of Arizona, bringing their total funding to $3.5 million. Co-founder Robocog, Shon Burton, said the … Read more

Gangplank co-working expands to Queen Creek

A new co-working space has opened in Queen Creek with the intention of bridging important resources to prospective small businesses. Gangplank cut the ribbon on its new location in the Queen Creek Town Center on April 9th after being approved for a one year lease with the town council in February.   “Our vision for … Read more

Rival Ripper takes home top prize at Startup Weekend Chandler

It was an exhausting weekend for the nine competing startups at Startup Weekend Chandler. Hosted by Ed Allen, Founder and Owner of ITECH Systems, Startup Weekend is an entrepreneurial event where anyone can come and pitch their startup idea and receive feedback from peers and mentors. On Friday evening at Gangplank LLC in Chandler, about … Read more

Startup Weekend Chandler begins July 18

Startup Weekend, an event where entrepreneurs are challenged to create a business model over a few days (and long nights), will be hosted by local coworking space Gangplank in Chandler starting on July 18. If you haven’t been a part of one, it goes like this: experienced and aspiring entrepreneurs, creatives, developers, etc. are invited … Read more

Lil hackers: Where AZ kids learn to code

Children are exposed to technology at a younger age, so it makes sense that more kids are interested in computer programing and coding. “Kids are naturally interested in this area,” said Kelly Smith, founder of the Mesa Code Club. Teaching kids to code is more than just a hobby – it could have a positive impact … Read more

Startup HiringSolved Raises $1M for expansion

HiringSolved the only global social recruiting tool that delivers candidates across all skill sets and industries announced the completion of a $1 million raise from a group of Arizona-based business leaders and angel investors. The raise will be used to continue development of HiringSolved’s proprietary SaaS-based platform, make additional engineering-side hires and expand the company’s … Read more

CAM EASY takes the win at Startup Weekend Chandler – slideshow – video

Nine startups competed to become the winner of Startup Weekend Chandler. Startup Weekend is an entrepreneurial event where anyone can come and pitch their startup idea and receive feedback from peers. Teams organically form around the top ideas (as determined by popular vote) and then it’s a 54 hour whirlwind of business model creation, coding, designing, … Read more

Hackers Putting Public Data to Good Use – "Hack for Change" Recap

This weekend, Gangplank Chandler hosted the National Day of Hacking. The two-day event consisted of community members brainstorming ways to use public data in order to improve their own community without the need of help from politicians or businesses. On Saturday, participants conceptualized new ways to use census data, work with local farmers’ markets, and … Read more