Minority-Led Stories
Cherry designs Chiefs-inspired KC Legacy collection for one city, united in sports
A new Cherry sports apparel collection commemorates past Chiefs players with a focus on community impact and bridging a divided Kansas City through pride in the city teams, said Thalia Cherry. “I think the excitement around the Chiefs will be here for years to come, and … I often share when I speak with groups…
FitBark GPS launches with embedded sim card for tracking lost pups via cell service
FitBark’s latest treat for pet lovers: A four-legged friend finder. FitBark GPS recently launched in the Kansas City-based startup’s U.S. market, said Davide Rossi, co-founder and CEO, detailing new features that allow owners to pinpoint their dogs’ locations in case of emergency via embedded Verizon cell service. “We send all of the owners an alert…
Two tech founders identified a coding talent gap; they launched WeCodeKC to help fill it
A future-ready workforce depends on students mastering as many technology, cybersecurity, and computer science skills as possible, said Tammy Buckner. The founder at CTO of Techquity Digital, Buckner joined forces this fall with Dr. Phillip Hickman, author and founder of PlaBook, to launch WeCodeKC — a no-cost, year-round program built to promote computer skills through…
OHUB is sending five startups to SXSW, each infused with $50K; Meet the seven KC finalists
Iron sharpens iron, said Rodney Sampson, announcing 12 finalists — seven from Kansas City — for $250,000 in investments and a coveted demo day stage at SXSW in March. Each startup is rich with founders who have invested the time and energy to earn a payout from the ecosystem, said Sampson, founder of the Opportunity…
Are venture-seeking women, minority founders at an unfair disadvantage in KC?
Editor’s note: The following is the second in a series of analyses of Startland’s list of Kansas City’s Top Venture Capital-Backed Companies. On stage with a handful of men, Erin Papworth faced a dilemma. The founder of Nav.It — one of the startups to recently complete Fountain City Fintech’s second accelerator cohort — found herself fighting…
