News Stories

10 Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2020

Their hustle is fierce — their stories, strategies and strengths uncommon.  The future newsmakers rounding out Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2020 list are hungry to disrupt. They’re eager to drive and inspire innovation in industries under-explored or altogether forgotten.  They’re creating awareness; offering sustainable solutions to everyday problems.  These are startups…

Nathan Corn, FlexPro

BetaBlox veteran Nathan Corn flexes ‘bootstrapped’ label with $12M in annual revenue

Nathan Corn began with hustle and an $8,000 nest egg, determined to make it as an entrepreneur who tapped Kansas City resources but wasn’t limited by geography, he said.  “[I said,] ‘If I can take the next 10 years of my life and just give everything to growing a company, then that’s it. I’m going…

Chiefs’ Super Bowl run ‘like Christmas’ (and Royals’ big win) all over again for KC apparel startups

The Chiefs heading to the Super Bowl isn’t just a good look for the team — it’s a win for small business owners as excited Kansas Citians buy local to keep the party going, said Mark Launiu. “I was really stoked for the city obviously, but I just texted my friends like, ‘Man, if you…

Clark Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs

Clark Hunt: Super Bowl-bound KC Chiefs didn’t get it right overnight; founders won’t either

If entrepreneurs want to win like the Kansas City Chiefs, they must be unafraid of pivoting, explained Clark Hunt.  “The National Football League is extremely competitive and it’s very difficult to win games consistently — even with a talented roster. But it is impossible to win if everyone is not aligned and working together to…

Thalia Cherry, Cherry; KC Legacy collection

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…