News Stories

David Biga, Particle Space

AI-powered Particle Space detects product validation with Liberty Mutual integration

A new partnership between Liberty Mutual Insurance and Kansas City-built Particle Space is expected to create an entirely new service, the proptech startup announced this week.  The collaboration sees Liberty Mutual provide tenants with easily-accessible quotes for renters insurance within Particle Space’s artificial intelligence-backed building and property management platform.  “It’s now even easier for property…

DJ Stewart, Journey Pro

Doctors gave DJ Stewart 18 months to live; His response: Build a pro wrestling stable strong enough to celebrate LGBT, BIPOC athletes

A new era has entered the ring as an entrepreneur fights to bring inclusivity to Kansas City’s legacy-rich professional wrestling community — in the midst of an all-out brawl in his own battle against Stage 4 brain cancer.  “Everyone is welcome at our shows,” said DJ Stewart, owner of Journey Pro KC, describing the wrestling and…

Missouri state Rep. Travis Fitzwater, R-Holts Summit, being sworn into his fourth and final term in the state legislature, January 2021

First-ever ‘Right to Start Act’ would ban non-competes, establish Missouri Office of Entrepreneurship

Newly filed legislation in Missouri would give a boost to Show-Me State entrepreneurs — or at least spark a robust conversation about how policy can support new business and hiring growth, said Travis Fitzwater. “Missourians have a right to start a company and the state should be encouraging that behavior,” said state Rep. Fitzwater, R-Holts Summit,…

Kauffman Foundation’s new plan for American entrepreneurs demands inclusive growth

Editor’s note: The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a financial sponsor of Startland News. While a stimulus plan being debated by Congress includes funding to stabilize existing business — it’s not enough, the Start Us Up coalition said Tuesday, echoing a call to action by one of the nation’s leading advocates for entrepreneurs. “Congress needs…

Fritz Hutchison at Lucia in Lawrence

KC record label sees stage lights, live music ahead — after year of virtual shows rings flat

Local recording artists continue to hold notes of perseverance as the COVID-19 pandemic settles into its second year; one Patrick Sprehe hopes will carry a different tune for Kansas City’s talent-rich music scene.  “The pandemic really dampers our ability to be a sustainable business,” said Sprehe, co-founder of Center Cut Records, describing the era’s impact…