Blockchain Leadership Summit in Kansas City: TIGER 21 Chairs in Startland News and Fintech

Kansas City is quickly emerging as a hub for blockchain and digital finance, and TIGER 21 is taking part in the dialogue shaping its future. On September 9, the inaugural Heartland Digital Asset Exchange (HDAX) gathered investors, innovators, and global blockchain leaders in downtown Kansas City. Produced by KC Digital Drive and KC Futures DAO, with support from TIGER 21, the summit was designed to connect capital allocators with trusted, compliant opportunities in blockchain finance.

TIGER 21 Chairs Heidi Lehmann and Joe Kessinger discussed the city’s rise as a digital finance powerhouse in a Startland News feature on the event by Haines Eason.

“HDAX isn’t about trends—it’s about trusted access. We’re creating a credible, high-trust environment for investors to explore blockchain finance grounded in education, regulation, and strategy.” – Heidi Lehmann, Kansas City TIGER 21 Chair and Founder of HDAX

In a conversation with Fintech’s Remy Blaire, Heidi highlights how HDAX is the first event of its kind to bring together Wall Street and blockchain in the Midwest, bridging a crucial gap between global finance and Heartland industries. She emphasizes the increasing demand for education on digital assets as regulatory clarity grows, noting how family offices and capital allocators are eager to understand compliance, regulation, and investment strategies, and how TIGER 21’s integrates trusted platforms to help educate Members on digital asset opportunities.

Joe Kessinger, Kansas City TIGER 21 Chair and EVP of DeBruce, adds another perspective on the region’s momentum. In his Fintech interview, he highlights the shift of financial investments from the coasts to the Midwest and the willingness of traditionally conservative industries to adopt blockchain solutions. He cites examples from his TIGER 21 Group, which includes a former transportation CEO who solved cross-border payment challenges through blockchain.

Joe also speaks to the role of family offices and generational perspectives in digital asset adoption. While older investors may be cautious, younger members are increasingly guiding them toward blockchain, creating a knowledge transfer that is shaping portfolio allocation strategies.

TIGER 21 Members allocate more than $6 billion globally to digital assets, putting them at the forefront of compliant blockchain investing.

Listen to the Fintech Interview feat. Heidi Lehmann.

Listen to the Fintech Interview feat. Joe Kessinger.