Startups Stories

Just funded: LaunchKC unveils 7 newest grant winners, topping $385K in startup capital

LaunchKC’s big reveal Tuesday was about more than checking a box — or getting hands on oversized checks — with grant competition winners taking the stage to introduce their companies to an eager community of supporters, entrepreneurs and investors.  “This event is incredible,” said Donnie Hampton, co-founder of Roz, one of seven startups honored Tuesday…

This founder’s own pain point became too painful; Why he’s back to embracing the loss that sparked his startup

When healthtech founder Chris Jones pivoted away from the painful memory of losing his son — a catalyst for launching his medical records startup — he shelved a vital piece of the “why” behind both his company and his passion, Jones said. “I never understood what my power was — not just the technology —…

Young mom’s apparel for crawling babies wins best fit for UMKC Side Hustle Challenge

Riley Rhoads knows firsthand how overwhelming it is to shop for baby clothes, the University of Missouri-Kansas City student and new mother shared, so she created a product to help fellow moms. Hold Tight Baby — Rhoads’ venture that earned her first place at UMKC’s Side Hustle Challenge — makes pants for crawling babies. The…

How one veteran’s early struggles with soft skills inspired tech to boost a new generation

Editor’s note: The following story was produced through a paid partnership with MOSourceLink, which boasts a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state of Missouri grow and succeed by providing free, easy access to the help they need — when they need it. ST. LOUIS — Gavin Pringle knows firsthand the struggles…

Accessibility platform AskSAMIE expands to 500+ partners thanks to national homecare deals

A pair of significant new partnerships not only allow Kansas City-based AskSAMIE to expand its national reach, said Dr. Brandy Archie; the deals put her startup a pivotal moment in its mission to deliver on-demand support to seniors and their caregivers. Working with homecare organizations ComForCare/At Your Side and CarePatrol will push AskSAMIE — a…