Startups Stories

HERImpact $50K pitch competition returning March 8; Here’s how KC women entrepreneurs can apply

Women business owners and social entrepreneurs in Kansas City are encouraged to compete this spring for up to $50,000 in a Shark Tank-style funding event aimed at investing in women’s ambitions to start and scale local businesses. “Expanding access to capital and mentorship is critical to women’s success as they start their own businesses,” said…

‘Every business matters, every job matters’: How $69M in federal funds is already boosting KS entrepreneurs

Kansas will use a recent influx of federal funding to strengthen the state’s small business and venture capital ecosystems, according to project leaders of a new high-profile effort focusing on equitable access. The state was allocated $69 million earlier this year as part of the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), a federal program that…

Agtech startup officially moves its corral to KC with global HQ’s relocation from Oregon

Vytelle’s new global headquarters is joining a region with the largest concentration of industry professionals devoted to the health, well-being, and genetic progress of animals, said Kerryann Kocher, announcing the startup’s official move to Lenexa.  “We’re excited to put down roots in the Midwest and call Kansas City home to our global headquarters,” said Kocher,…

Startup’s tech putts golf clubs (and expertise) in reach with on-demand caddies, coaches

Mark Lukenbill is on a mission to make golf a more accessible and enjoyable sport for individuals of all backgrounds, he shared.  “There’s this stigma that golf is an old, rich, white guy sport; but we’re seeing tons of diversity on the course,” said Lukenbill, the founder and CEO of Mpruv Sports and its premier…

Custom digital avatar tech, affordable housing startup among Scale’s third cohort

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. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. COLUMBIA,…