Startups Stories
The end of gear hunting: Wacka wants to automate-away manual price chasing
Late nights. Too many browser tabs. Price comparisons across half a dozen retailers. Waiting weeks for the right moment to buy. Justen Wack knows exactly how outdoor gear purchases usually happen, he said — because the tech founder used to grind through the process himself. It’s a ritual familiar to skiers, cyclists, backpackers and climbers…
C2FO passes half-trillion-dollar mark as businesses pivot to working capital from traditional debt
In a high-cost environment, businesses across the globe are prioritizing “on-demand” liquidity over new debt, said Sandy Kemper, announcing Wednesday that Kansas City-based C2FO has now provided more than a half-trillion dollars in working capital to entrepreneurs worldwide. “Hitting half a trillion of funding with zero credit loss is something fairly unique in the financial…
Keystone Angels takes wing with emerging leader; next up: saving startups from the valley of death
A familiar face in Kansas City’s business ecosystem is stepping into a leadership role aimed at tackling one of the biggest challenges facing local startup founders: access to early-stage funding. In February, Regina Sosa Valdovinos launched into a newly-developed director position at Keystone Angels, an angel investment network focused on connecting founders with investors across…
Best AI strategy for your business: Make it Midwest practical, says startup duo reunited after DEG exit
For many companies racing to adopt artificial intelligence, the biggest challenge isn’t the technology; It’s knowing where to begin, said Neal Sharma, whose new venture alongside Craig Sizemore aims to turn AI hype into real business value. “Everyone knows they need to do something,” said Sharma, executive chairman and co-founder of Kansas City-based STEPS Consulting….
Scaling the fairway: GolfTRK’s sprawling new HQ on course without a trick shot, founders say
Albatross Golf — along with its flagship brands, GolfTRK and Noonan — is ready to move into its next chapter, co-founders Alex Reed and Matt Williams shared, with the completion of its expanded headquarters in Prairie Village just a couple short months away. “This is the right next step for us and where we’re headed,”…
