The Truth About Inclusive Innovation: Why Most Innovation Ecosystems Fail & How to Fix It

Why do so many entrepreneurial ecosystems struggle to truly support diverse founders? In this episode of The Disruption Lab, we sit down with Craig Moore—ecosystem builder, community leader, and Partnerships & Special Projects Manager at the DeBruce Foundation—to uncover what’s really holding back inclusive innovation.

Craig shares his unconventional journey from music promotions to ecosystem leadership, breaking down the hidden barriers that prevent Black entrepreneurs from scaling and what needs to change for real economic impact. We dive into:

• The difference between being an entrepreneur and an ecosystem builder
• How Black Excellence Inc. is solving the resource gap for underrepresented founders
• The truth about Kansas City’s innovation scene (and what’s missing)
• Why “Kansas City Nice” is slowing down progress
• The role of data and tech in driving long-term inclusion

If you care about innovation, diversity, and making real change in entrepreneurship, this is a must-listen.