News Stories

Linda Ordway A-Frame cabin

PondDay — the KC-cast ‘Airbnb for private ponds and lakes’ — drops its first lure in Missouri

Some of Parker Tergin’s favorite memories are set on a lake or pond: fishing with his grandfather, reuniting with his college buddies at one of their properties to tell stories around a bonfire, and finding peace and stillness outside the busyness of the city. “I’m surrounded by tall buildings and concrete all day downtown,” he…

Matt Lett and Jessica Teliczan, Paradise Garden Club

Welcome to Paradise (Garden Club): ‘The world might be on fire, but this plant is doing great’

No matter the color of your thumb, Paradise Garden Club has something for all its plant fans, said Jessica Teliczan.  Housed in an airy warehouse in Crossroads, the plant nursery and community space has become a bustling spot for greenery collectors and enthusiasts. Customers can shop in store, order shippable plants online, hire the team…

Techstars KC 2021 demo day

Techstars’ summer finale means closing investment rounds for founders, says KC leader

Demo day is as much about looking forward as it is an examination of a startup’s journey through Techstars, Maria Flynn said, teasing new dollar deals ahead for the 2021 Kansas City cohort. “There are already a number of investment commitments coming in, so we are focused on closing the investment rounds so the companies…

Concert near the planned ASTRA Innovation District building in Topeka

Site confirmed for ASTRA innovation district; Why the project ‘sends a signal to startups’ and beyond

Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. One…

Valentine Osakwe and Zerryn Gines, Peep Connect

Techstars arrival: Find that ‘ride or die’ investor who answers your 3 am calls, founder says

Even in a startup’s early stages, founders need both a roadmap and destination, said Zerryn Gines. “You don’t need to know exactly what you’re doing every step of the way, but if you know where you want to go — then you can connect to the right people and ask the right questions,” explained Gines,…