Startups Stories
Budding family business: Serial cannabis entrepreneur pioneers microwave drying tech with his father
In Michael Wilson’s childhood, he recalled, the founder of multiple cannabis-related startups got into fights at school — then suspended — resulting in numerous car rides with his father as the elder Wilson ventured on sales trips. “From age 7 or 8, I had an education on how to do business, interact with people and…
Kenzen finds capital in Kansas City as market for startup’s speciality wearables heats up
Editor’s note: This article is underwritten by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. Take a closer look, Heidi Lehmann urged, detailing her once-outsider’s view of Kansas City and ways it revealed a robust and evolving pipeline…
UMKC’s top student entrepreneur has a not-so-secret play: Startups are a team sport
Editor’s note: This article is underwritten by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. From crafting custom-made bracelets in elementary school to prepping the launch for the world’s first interactive dog crate, Jonaie Johnson said she’s wanted…
No more band-aid solutions or pats on the back: How one firm connects companies, people with disabilities
Editor’s note: This article is underwritten by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. What might seem like an obvious truth to some employers — that people with disabilities need extra help, becoming a drag on productivity…
Founders’ Lab aims to open access to the world of capital for underrepresented would-be startup, investment leaders
A pandemic-founded program has students leading the charge as a new generation of founders and venture capitalists rises together against the backdrop of an evolving and accessible Kansas City, Maggie Kenefake said. “With underrepresented founders, it’s really shocking,” said Kenefake, managing director of Kansas City University Venture Fund (KCUVF) and venture partner at Royal Street…
