Startups Stories
ScaleUP! KC announces eighth cohort of firms eyeing serious growth
The ScaleUP! Kansas City program has welcomed another large batch of growing companies hoping to accelerate their businesses. ScaleUP announced Wednesday that it accepted 17 Kansas City area companies into its ranks, offering the firms mentorship, resources and connections. The new cohort of entrepreneurs represent varied industries, such as IT, wellness, landscaping, education, architecture and…
GXPI-led $3.25M deal pushes Kansas City IoT firm Pepper over $15M investment mark
Pepper topped $15 million in investments this week — adding to its ownership structure through a sizeable deal led by GXPI, the investment arm of Evergy. “This strategic investment by Evergy gives us a great partner in the retail electric utility industry where IoT is beginning to play a critical role,” said Scott Ford, CEO…
Nearly $5M remains in Kansas angel tax credits as Aug 31 deadline looms; startups urged to apply
The clock is ticking for Kansas angel tax credits to be awarded to growing startups in 2018, said Rachèll Rowand. “We are looking for innovative businesses in Kansas that are under five years old,” said Rowand, program manager for the Kansas Department of Commerce, which administers the state’s angel tax program. “The biotechnology industry is…
Startland list reflects big wins across KC — but don’t get comfortable, warns founder
Kansas City has traction, said Davyeon Ross, but the city and its support network must keep the ball moving. “It’s impressive how much these startups and companies are contributing to the community and the economy,” said Ross co-founder and COO of ShotTracker, reacting to data within Startland’s 2018 list of Top Venture Capital-Backed Companies in…
Kansas-vs-Missouri investment record tied to state support for innovation, experts say
The Sunflower State appears to set itself apart based on trends indicated by Startland’s 2018 list of Top Venture Capital-Backed Companies in KC. But does Kansas really have the competitive edge? Kansas companies are on average two years older than Missouri companies; they’ve raised more than four times as much capital than their Missouri counterparts;…
