Spotlight: Donnie Hampton
Kansas City’s tech and innovation landscape is on the rise, and Donnie Hampton, co-founder of Roz, is at its forefront. This AI-native compliance startup is redefining how businesses approach security and operational compliance, offering solutions that accelerate processes by up to 90%.
The Journey Back to Kansas City
A native Midwesterner, Donnie’s connection to Kansas City deepened during the pandemic. After years in New York City, he and his wife returned to Kansas, drawn by the Midwest’s family-friendly environment and the opportunity to raise their growing family in a community-oriented city.
Before launching Roz in 2024, Donnie spent nearly five years at McKinsey & Co, specializing in enterprise technology, product development, and business building. These experiences equipped him with the skills to tackle complex challenges and positioned him as a leader in Kansas City’s burgeoning tech scene.
Roz: Transforming Compliance with AI
At Roz, Donnie and his team are revolutionizing compliance processes with a platform designed to dramatically reduce the time and effort required for policy generation, gap assessments, and audit preparation. Roz’s mission is to simplify compliance and empower businesses to grow brighter and faster.
Roz has already made waves in Kansas City’s startup ecosystem, thanks in part to support from initiatives like Digital Sandbox, LaunchKC, and Pure Pitch Rally. These programs have provided critical resources and connections, enabling Roz to thrive and contribute to the local economy.
A Commitment to Community
Donnie’s vision extends beyond his startup. He is passionate about helping Kansas City establish itself as an innovation and tech entrepreneurship hub. Donnie is making a tangible impact on the community by creating meaningful tech jobs, partnering with local companies, and actively engaging with other entrepreneurs.
Donnie’s Advice for Newcomers to KC
“Jump in with both feet! The KC business community is incredibly welcoming. Attend events like Back2KC and tap into the supportive networks available here.”
What Donnie Loves About Kansas City
- The collaborative spirit: Kansas City’s sense of community and willingness to support newcomers have made a lasting impression.
- Growth opportunities: From its resources for startups to its expanding tech ecosystem, KC offers fertile ground for innovation.
- Work-life balance: The city’s family-friendly atmosphere and vibrant neighborhoods make it an ideal place to build a business and a life.
How to Connect
Interested in learning more about Roz or connecting with Donnie? Visit getroz.com to explore their innovative compliance solutions, or connect with Donnie directly on LinkedIn. Donnie would love to hear from you if you’re a leader facing compliance challenges.
Stay tuned for next week’s New2KC Spotlight as we feature another dynamic leader shaping the future of Kansas City: Connor Borrego.
Together, these stories celebrate the innovators driving KC’s transformation into a premier hub for technology and entrepreneurship.
Have a New2KC person to celebrate and help welcome to KC? Tell us more: https://forms.gle/quHZDcetwEGhzcRe7