News Stories

LaDonna Gooden, NeXtStage KC, AltCap

AltCap’s NeXt Stage KC launches with one goal: More ‘Yes’ for minority entrepreneurs

Diversity is just good business, said LaDonna Gooden, emphasizing that companies with a variety of perspectives consistently outperform their competitors. “The opportunity really exists for everyone in this ecosystem to benefit and participate [in Kansas City’s startup scene],” said Gooden, entrepreneur in residence and coach for NeXt Stage KC, a program of AltCap. “I don’t…

Jack Schraad, Brad Garlinghouse, Nathan Nichols, Mason Qualls, Daniel Jones, Craig DeWitt, and Pat Thelen; Ripple and KU Blockchain Institute

Startup Road Trip: Student-led KU Blockchain Institute has high-tech dreams with graduation nearing 

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. LAWRENCE…

Juaquan Herron

‘Scarlet Knight’ cuts through comic book stigma with real-life entrepreneur, brand crossovers

Continuing his comic book quest to capture the realities of urban life, Juaquan Herron returns to drop the Scarlet Knight’s second volume — this time featuring some recognizable Kansas City faces, he said.  “It’s just one of those things where you definitely have to figure out other avenues to make the brand bigger — bigger…

Zego Paylease

Nine months after KC startup’s exit, its new owner adopts ‘Zego’ name, identity

Acquiring Kansas City-based Zego was a smart move for its new owner, the San Diego company said Tuesday — and a decision so impactful that the evolving tech platform is taking on the name and personality of the exited smart home startup. “We are excited to take the next steps in our company’s evolution,” said Dirk…

WeWork Lightwell

First look: WeWork Lightwell illuminates space for growing teams downtown (Photos)

Despite national headlines that question WeWork’s staying power, a second Kansas City location signals light at the end of the tunnel for the coworking giant.  “The expectation of the workforce is changing,” Erik Wullschleger, WeWork community director, explained during a Startland News tour of the newly opened space, which occupies the third and fourth floors…