Startups Stories

Startup Families: Teenage tech tribulations are a lesson in patience

Running a tech startup and working on a new innovation can prove to be challenging for anyone. But running a tech company with millenials in your home can be pure torture when that technology is on a teen’s favorite appendage: a smartphone. I’ve spent the early days of building my company, Video Fizz, at our…

Arredondo: ‘Kansas City nice’ is stifling innovation

Let me start off by saying, I love Kansas City. I love the humility. I love the blue-collar work ethic. I love the hospitality. I love the cost of living. In fact, I couldn’t be more proud to be a Kansas Citian. (I haven’t gone a day since the World Series without wearing at least…

FitBark: Missouri pooches are the most active dogs

Kansas City-based tech firm FitBark recently released an in-depth, interactive map plotting the vast array of data it collects on dogs around the world. The company, which relocated to Kansas City after completing the Sprint Mobile Health Accelerator program in 2014, opened its database to the public, sharing a trove of insights into canine health…

Fund Me KC: Lume Lifestyle

Who: Waira Mungai, Founder and CEO of Lume Lifestyle What: Lume Lifestyle is a lifestyle brand, aiming to merge fitness, fashion and technology. We invented a new product called “Lume Smart Leggings.” They feature a patent pending pocket that has been specifically designed for smartphone interaction. Our pocket has a special mesh that offers touchscreen functionality. It is…

O’Neill-Rauber: How my business failure begot confidence

I recently closed a business. Walking away, I feel a little lighter, a bit nostalgic, more confident and a lot smarter. My business was an online clothing store called TallChicksRule.com. Great name, right? If you know a female taller than 5’9”, you likely know the plight of tall fashionistas. I’m here to assure you: The struggle is real….