Startups Stories
Can I do it? New online tool helps users assess risk, make COVID-smart decisions about activities in KC
As a second wave of COVID-19 cases bear down on the nation, Kansas Citians have a new tool on their side to help them assess risk of exposure in everyday activities. Created as part of a partnership between pandemic-born resources, Comeback KC and COVID Can I Do It (CCIDI) touted the tool — branded “KC…
BacklotCars completes historic $425M exit, joining ‘power and fierce entrepreneurial spirit’ of KAR Global
The $425 million acquisition of Kansas City-based BacklotCars is complete, nearly two months to the day it was announced. “There is so much energy and excitement around this combination with our employees and with our customers,” Justin Davis, president and co-founder of BacklotCars, said in a release announcing the milestone acquisition’s completion Thursday by KAR…
From Aussie garage to unicorn: How SafetyCulture continues its climb in an ever-changing environment
Starting from humble beginnings, SafetyCulture earned its membership in the Australian unicorn club this year with a $1.3 billion valuation, said Nick Topping. “Our CEO and founder Luke Anear actually founded the company [in 2004] out of his garage in Townsville, Australia,” said Topping, who leads the marketing and business development teams in the Americas…
Ice Cream Bae serves up first storefront; menu of food concepts already sprinkled across KC
A colorful mix of childhood cereals, Eastern Asian-inspired flavors and Instagrammable cones set Ice Cream Bae apart from other ice cream shops in Kansas City, said Adison Sichampanakhone and Jackie Faltermeier. “We put extra attention into detail with every cone because customers are coming here for an experience, so it has to look perfect,” said…
Designer Whitney Manney using JOANN grant to reshape the fabric of KC’s fashion scene
Kansas City is legit — and it’s full of talented creatives who national eyes should be watching, said Whitney Manney. “I think COVID has shown us you can show up and show out from anywhere in this world,” added Manney, a local fashion designer, maker, and founder of the WHITNEYMANNEY (WM) fashion label, in announcement…
