Startups Stories

Daniel Smith, Porter House

Cultural differences contribute to entrepreneur access gap, Porter House founder says

Early education about entrepreneurism and the resources available aren’t typically priorities in low- to moderate-income communities, said Daniel Smith. “A lack of access results because we don’t really have a lot of programs in our communities that focus on small business and entrepreneurism,” said Smith, founder of The Porter House KC. “It’s more focused on…

Tommy Saunders, FEWDM

FEWDM drops high-tech fitness devices, pivots to workout apparel

Not every promising startup venture can keep the ball moving toward the end zone. It’s a lesson FEWDM founder Tommy Saunders says he’s blessed to have learned — despite the bittersweet turn for the former Detroit Lions receiver’s company. “We have a strong brand that our customers connect with and have grown to love,” Saunders…

Bow Blast KC

Fund Me, KC: Bow Blast KC soft combat offers adrenaline-pumping fun

Editor’s note: Startland News is continuing its segment to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. If you or your startup is running a crowdfunding campaign, let us know by contacting news@startlandnews.com. Who are you? My name is Jason McCarthy, Owner of Bow Blast KC. What’s your product? We are a mix of dodgeball,…

Todd Haselhorst, CubeMonk

CubeMonk lauded at forefront of disruptive blockchain cryptocurrency revolution

Momentum is building for Kansas City-based CubeMonk — and the blockchain cryptography platform behind it is poised to go further than most people can even imagine, said Todd Haselhorst. “You’re talking about a wave of innovation the likes of which we’ve never seen before,” said Haselhorst, CEO and co-founder of CubeMonk. “If the internet was…

Digital Sandbox

Happy holidays: Three startups receive Digital Sandbox funds

They might not be wrapped with a bow, but Digital Sandbox KC has delivered three gifts to area startups ahead of the holidays. The proof-of-concept incubator program is dishing grants to TradeLanes, Hungry? and MusicSpoke — three startups that aim to revamp their respective industries with innovative technologies, said Jeff Shackelford, director of Digital Sandbox….