Minority-Led Stories
KC’s first Hispanic beer company craft-brews conversations beyond stereotypes
Defining his own cultural identity has been a lifelong struggle for Damon Arredondo, the longtime brewer said. Coming from a mixed-cultural background, Arredondo often felt as if there was “a checklist” that decided whether or not he was able to identify with his heritage, he shared. “Only recently in the last five year have I…
Fund Me, KC: Her startup has outgrown its puppy phase; now’s your chance to feed its potential
Startland News is continuing its “Fund Me, KC” series to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses or lend a helping hand to others. This is an opportunity for business owners and innovators — like Jonaie Johnson’s effort to publicly launch the highly-anticipated PlayTach smart dog crate attachment by Interplay — to share their…
KC startup earns $100K from Google initiative, funding its ‘food as medicine’ tech solution for chronic illnesses, healthy food inequity
Kansas City-based startup Free From Market will receive $100,000 in non-dilutive funding from Google as part of the tech giant’s initiative to support Black-led startups. Free From Market is a digital health platform that unites the key components needed for people with chronic conditions to make lasting dietary changes: personalized food selection, nutritional education and…
2000 Vine: Brewed under pressure, KC’s first Black-owned brewery puts more than reputations on the vine
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series from Startland News highlighting entrepreneurs, businesses, and creators leading revitalization and redevelopment efforts in and around the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. Click here to read additional stories from this series. A brewery under construction at 2000 Vine on Kansas City’s East Side comes from…
KC-built healthtech app announces pre-seed funding from former JE Dunn CEO
Funds from a new pre-seed investment will help commercialize the MyDigiRecords app, its founder said, announcing critical new backing from one of Kansas City living entrepreneurial legends. The health records app — which will enable consumers to directly manage their health records, like immunizations and prescription drugs — announced Thursday the undisclosed, but “sizable” funding…
