Startups Stories

Sharing economy hits agriculture with FarmLink service

A new-age economic model is entering the world’s oldest industry. Kansas City-based FarmLink introduced this week its Web-based farm equipment sharing community MachineryLink Sharing, which the company says will enable farmers to save money and generate revenue. “Agriculture is in the midst of its next big transformation, where new thinking and business models that have revolutionized…

Metactive lands $224K for nonclinical studies

Olathe-based Metactive Medical recently secured a grant that will continue the development of its embolization device that fights cancer. The National Institutes of Health awarded Metactive $224,000 that will fund nonclinical studies on the performance of the company’s Blockstent Microcatheter embolic devices for the occlusion — or blockage — of peripheral arteries and veins. “We believe…

Mighty Handle grips massive market with Walmart deal

A Kansas City startup recently grabbed a retail deal that will put its product in front of millions of customers. Mighty Handle last week signed a deal with Walmart stores that will roll out its product to help users carry multiple shopping bags at about 3,500 stores nationwide. So what’s it mean for Mighty Handle…

High-tech car showroom parks in Crossroads

The days of pushy, plaid-suited car salesmen is over at a new dealership teeming with technology in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District. Luxury car dealer Pure Pursuit Automotive recently set up shop in one of Kansas City’s trendiest districts, incorporating such technology as holographic attendants and personal tablets. Those technologies and others aim to create…

Kittrell: 5 frustrations for non-technical founders

You’ve got a great idea for an app — the kind that keeps you up at night. But you’ve never worked on a software project before and have no idea what you’re in for. Sound familiar? Here’s a list of common frustrations I see from my non-technical clients. 1. Scope creep No, it’s not a…