Startups Stories
CodeAlgo Academy hits classrooms as the edtech platform (and founder) proves independence
After years of putting the building blocks together, Triumfia Houmbie Fulks’ edtech startup has officially entered the game, the founder said, noting she launched the coding platform into area schools this fall. The move pushes Kansas City-based CodeAlgo Academy beyond beta and into real K-8 classrooms where students are actively solving problems, creating games, and…
Bracket-style startup pitch competition courts innovators, angels for March gameplay
WICHITA, Kan. — Applications are open for a statewide startup pitch competition set to return in March alongside the Big 12 men’s basketball tourney. The high-profile event connects emerging founders with angel investors and corporate innovators — and a $25,000 top prize. The Gamechangers & Champions 2026 “Bracket Bash” is planned for March 10 at the…
Photos: Newsmakers scoop awards at Startups to Watch celebration, teasing action ahead
The preview is complete; next comes the headline-grabbing startup activity, said Tommy Felts, voicing anticipation for the year ahead — months that promise Kansas City companies making good on their efforts to scale innovation throughout the region. An awards reception Tuesday evening served as the culmination of Startland News’ rollout for its Kansas City Startups to…
IPO alert: EquipmentShare hits Nasdaq; Missouri unicorn says its staying true to its long-term vision
COLUMBIA, Mo. — With EquipmentShare’s debut Friday on the stock exchange, the Missouri-built leader in connected jobsite technology is advancing a decade-long blueprint for its growth, as well as productivity, efficiency and collaboration across the construction industry, said Jabbok Schlacks. “Our vision since we founded EquipmentShare more than 10 years ago was to transform the…
Rescuing a dream: Why Lizz Whitacre sees a future for shelter pets in Pawlytics
Lizz Whitacre grew up allergic to pets; the Midwest founder wasn’t even allowed to have dogs or cats as a child. But that didn’t stop her from fostering a deep-seated need to save them all; her Nebraska-built startup is now wagging momentum in Kansas City to help mom-and-pop boutique animal shelters streamline operations to boost…
