News Stories

John Styers, Transportant

Wichita VC backs two KC startups: ‘Great companies can be built in crazy economic times’

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Despite a global pandemic, Wichita-based Accelerate Venture Partners closed nearly as many…

OYO Nova Gym

This KC-created handheld home gym just became the highest-funded fitness product ever on Kickstarter

The OYO Nova Gym passed a massive crowdfunding milestone Saturday morning — raising $1.6 million in pre-sales for the Kansas City company and becoming the most-funded fitness product in Kickstarter history. And OYO’s campaign still has a month to go. “The OYO team has worked hard to develop fitness devices that fit in anyone’s lifestyle,”…

Jan Knobel, Upper Crust Pie Bakery

Upper Crust bakery’s recipe for reopening: Embrace a sweet new piece of the retail pie

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Behind a rustic “closed” sign, empty display cases and a lonely pie…

Made in KC, KCPPE.com

KCMO mayor, Made in KC launch portal for face masks, hand sanitizer made by more than 50 local makers

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Kansas City’s gradual return to business doesn’t mean the need for face…

Gabe Muñoz; photo by Ray Carrington for Forward Cities

ESHIP Communities: 10 ways Kansas City can support its businesses and entrepreneurs

Editor’s note: This story is sponsored and was produced by Forward Cities, a non-financial partner of Startland News and a national nonprofit that is managing the implementation of the ESHIP Communities program as a grantee of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Any opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author. ESHIP Communities Kansas City is dedicated…