Startups Stories
Emerging at Pure Pitch Rally: These 8 young startups hope to close a critical funding gap
Eight emerging tech startups are rallying for the Pure Pitch stage as one of Kansas City’s premiere pitch competitions approaches a decade of impact and innovation. “This is the ultimate affinity and legacy club that grows businesses in Kansas City,” said Karen Fenaroli, presenting sponsor and founder of the Pure Pitch Rally, which returns Monday…
BarGlance acquires Updown Nightlife App; founder says deal will scale AI-infused tech even faster than he imagined
In a strategic move to elevate the Midwest’s nightlife scene on a national level, founder Joshua Lewis said, the Updown Nightlife app has been acquired by BarGlance, an AI-powered nightlife tech company. The deal — valued at $5 million, Lewis said — celebrates Updown’s 10-year anniversary, marking a significant milestone for the app that put…
Kansas City-built Boddle earns $500K Yass Prize Finalist Award, hits 2M monthly users
MIAMI — Winning a coveted award from Stop for Education is expected to empower Boddle Learning to reach a broader audience than ever before, as well as significantly expanding its curriculum and advancing its cutting-edge AI-powered education tools. Boddle, which launched and grew in Kansas City before relocating to Tulsa, Oklahoma, was announced as a…
Design-Zyme, KU researchers latch onto $3M SBIR award for Lyme disease vaccine
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. LAWRENCE — Vaccine development at KU Innovation Park could help stop an uptick in Lyme disease in its tracks, using a just-announced $3 million in federal funds to bring a…
‘Wonderful things anywhere’: Entrepreneurs share keys to ‘Main Street’ success
Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Missouri Business Alert, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and The Kansas City Beacon. Click here to read the original story. COLUMBIA, Missouri — When Willy Schlacks noticed what he said were inefficiencies plaguing…
