Latest Stories
Kansas City-made fitness apps flex tactics to monetize training’s trend toward tech
Jake Heyen’s Fitic exercises its potential at the intersection of pandemic-pumped fitness and influencer marketing industries, the Kansas City founder said, detailing the intertwined world of fitness-minded consumers and content creators. “We love the fact that we sit within two industries that are poised for explosive growth going forward,” said Heyen, who also serves as…
Exit to watch: Top startup LaborChart sells in a deal under construction for generations
LaborChart, one of Kansas City’s leading startups, has sold to a California-based giant in construction management — a deal that proves hard work and determination pay off, its founder said. The startup was sold to Procore Technologies, the companies announced Friday, noting in a release the deal is expected to further innovate the world of construction…
Bearded Fellas shave away ‘just a doll’ — leaving the beauty of everyday magic, people
Ali Bustos didn’t even know how to sew when she was gifted a sewing machine by her parents in 2008. More preoccupied with painting at the time, the machine sat mostly unused. But when her first son was born, it was difficult to paint with a wiggly baby in her arms, she said. Her yearning…
Storytelling startup rewrites the pandemic narrative, scaling into new success, downtown space
Editor’s note: The following story — a spotlight on a member of the Plexpod community — is sponsored by Plexpod, a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes. Stories are powerful, Jeff Short said, recalling ways his storytelling startup, Overflow, has worked to help Kansas Citians harness…
Porter House KC receives $175K from JPMorgan Chase Foundation to support inclusive entrepreneurship
An investment by the JPMorgan Chase Foundation will help The Porter House KC fill a void in entrepreneur support programming in Kansas City, said Dan Smith. “Our goal is always to find a solution to the problem. We felt there was a gap. There was a whole population of people being missed. People who come…
Boddle raises $1.35M with KCRise Fund on board, reaches 450,000+ students, expands team
Editor’s note: KCRise Fund is a financial supporter of Startland News. This report was produced independently of that relationship. TULSA — As schools across the country navigate in-person and remote learning models, Boddle Learning, a math gaming platform that was founded in Kansas City continues to grow, raising another round of more than $1 million…
KC social entrepreneur Wesley Hamilton surprised with $1M on Good Morning America
Wesley Hamilton experienced a roller coaster of emotions Wednesday morning, with a grand finale surprise of a $1 million donation from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation. “Thank you, everyone, for believing and watching the journey. It’s always been about the people we’ve been serving. I’m just grateful,” Hamilton said through joyful tears on Good Morning…
Bardavon announces $90M funding round to fuel health tech expansion; a moment built by people in KC, founder says
A $90 million Series C funding round for Bardavon Health Innovations is not only big deal for the startup and Kansas City — but a testament to a community of support that made the health tech company’s growth and expansion possible, said Matt Condon. Led by investor Matrix Capital Management, a public and private investment firm,…
KC’s housing market makes young professionals’ first homes more elusive; here’s how four of them are making it work
As newcomers to Kansas City in 2019, Ria Rao and Morgan Bannerman found community co-living with other young professionals under the same roof. Now they’re hoping to replicate that environment — this time as homeowners. The move comes in large part out of necessity. Amid a highly competitive housing market, locating an on-budget home — and…
Meet 10 finalists for AltCap Your Biz pitch payout; competition returns during GEW KC
A diverse group of nearly a dozen small businesses are advancing to the next round of the annual AltCap Your Biz: Pitch Competition with finalists ranging from a mobile vegan soul food service to a Northland selfie experience. The “Closing the Deal” live pitch event showcases the 10 best concepts from a pool of 43…
