Funding Stories

LaunchKC reveals 2017 finalists for $500K grant pool

LaunchKC on Friday announced 20 finalists vying for $500,000 in grants. The popular grants contest will award eight startups each a $50,000 non-dilutive grant and one firm a grand prize of $100,000 after a live pitch competition at Techweek Kansas City on Sept. 15. Techweek Kansas City is scheduled from Sept. 11 to Sept. 15…

SoftBank invests $4.4 billion in WeWork

Global coworking giant WeWork recently raked in a massive investment from SoftBank. The Tokyo-based conglomerate and its $93-billion Vision Fund has injected $4.4 billion into WeWork, which has 23 coworking spaces in the United States — including a shared, 40,000- square-foot workspace in Kansas City in the Crossroads Arts District — and more than 27…

Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation startup growth

Kauffman Foundation grants $78K to KC Startup Foundation, Startland hires managing editor

Continuing a commitment to cultivate its hometown entrepreneurial community, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation has awarded a $78,600 grant to the Kansas City Startup Foundation. The foundation’s gift helps the KCSF expand the capacity and marketing of its programs to connect, educate and tell stories about area innovators. The KCSF — which recently merged with…

Deadlines loom for funding, educational and fellowship opportunities

Opportunities abound, Kansas City. Whether you’re an early stage entrepreneur looking for some extra cash, representing an organization aiming to double down on its efforts, or someone seeking mentorship, the Kansas City entrepreneurial community has options available — if you take the initiative. To lend a hand, we’ve gathered some timely opportunities. Act quickly! Deadlines are…

OYO Fitness flexes muscles internationally after $1M in US crowdfunding

The pressure isn’t letting up for OYO Fitness. With nearly $1 million in sales via crowdfunding already banked, the Kansas City-based fitness firm hopes to add more muscle to its brand by expanding into Asia. After previous success on U.S.-based Kickstarter and Indiegogo, OYO (On Your Own) Fitness launched its collapsible, portable gym product last…