Startups Stories

Meet 7 startups just funded to turn potential into Kansas City-built tech innovation

The latest crop of Digital Sandbox KC companies — earning up to $20,000 in project funding for their concepts — are poised to make significant impacts within their industries, said Jill Meyer, noting a through-line from digital health to AI-powered construction and fantasy sports solutions. “These exciting innovations show some great promise, and we’re honored…

Marma launches sister brand to fit weight loss support with women’s health needs

Weight loss support wasn’t originally in the plans for Marma — the only OB-GYN and registered dietician-approved nutrition platform for women during their reproductive years — shared co-founder Meredith McAllister.  But with the rise of GLP-1 medications, she and co-founder Victoria Weber saw the opportunity for a nourishing, evidence-based approach to weight loss support. In…

Fund Me, KC: Portrayals XR crowdfunds next step in building its immersive healing space

Startland News is continuing its long-running “Fund Me, KC” series to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses or lend a helping hand to others. This is an opportunity for business owners and innovators — like Tricia Keightley and her immersive healing platform — to share their crowdfunding stories and potentially gain backing from…

KC-built sports tech startup acquired by AI-powered fundraising, engagement platform

The acquisition of Kansas City-built Athlete Network — a platform designed to foster lifelong connections between student-athletes and athletic alumni — deepens the startup’s work a decade after it launched, its founder said. “This is a huge milestone for our team, and I want to take a moment to sincerely thank our teammates, partners and…

Investors laud emerging founder’s expertise as CarePilot logs $2.5M for AI healthtech tool

It’s rare for a regional venture capital firm like KCRise Fund to invest in an entrepreneur just out of college, the Midwest-focused firm told Startland News, detailing the remarkable talent that led it to join an early round for Joseph Tutera’s digital health startup. Overland Park-based CarePilot recently announced a $2.5 million seed round led…