Latest Stories
Behind the scenes of a scaling business: 3 reasons to care about HITRUST data safeguards
Editor’s note: This commentary — the second in a four-part series — is sponsored and produced by LightEdge, a leading provider of enterprise-grade data center solutions — rooted in colocation and private cloud, and wrapped in security and compliance. The company delivers always-on internet with highly interconnected data centers, unmatched Compliance as a Service, and…
Budding family business: Serial cannabis entrepreneur pioneers microwave drying tech with his father
In Michael Wilson’s childhood, he recalled, the founder of multiple cannabis-related startups got into fights at school — then suspended — resulting in numerous car rides with his father as the elder Wilson ventured on sales trips. “From age 7 or 8, I had an education on how to do business, interact with people and…
$1M investment in new impact fund to boost minority and women-owned ventures in KC
A $1 million cash injection from The Sunderland Foundation will further efforts to bolster the only impact-oriented, opportunity zone fund focused entirely on Kansas City. equity2 Partners announced the investment Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for the mission driven impact investment firm which has committed to deploying capital in inclusive and equitable ways — especially amid the…
Kenzen finds capital in Kansas City as market for startup’s speciality wearables heats up
Editor’s note: This article is underwritten by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. Take a closer look, Heidi Lehmann urged, detailing her once-outsider’s view of Kansas City and ways it revealed a robust and evolving pipeline…
UMKC’s top student entrepreneur has a not-so-secret play: Startups are a team sport
Editor’s note: This article is underwritten by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. From crafting custom-made bracelets in elementary school to prepping the launch for the world’s first interactive dog crate, Jonaie Johnson said she’s wanted…
First-person: Hands-on experience at Baker boosts career even before graduation
Editor’s note: This first-person student commentary — part of a two-part series by Halle Morrell of The Baker Orange — is sponsored and produced by Baker University. Located in Baldwin City, Kansas, Baker is building the next generations of leaders, achievers and innovators with a robust liberal arts education. The opinions expressed in this commentary…
Historians, Mickey enthusiasts open the vault on plans for Walt Disney’s former KC studio
A dream for local historians, restoration efforts at the Troost office building once occupied by Walt Disney are finally coming true, champions of the project teased Thursday. Within the walls of the formerly crumbling brick structure at 31st and Troost: neglected stories of Disney’s inspiration and impact — along with plans to reanimate the space with…
No more band-aid solutions or pats on the back: How one firm connects companies, people with disabilities
Editor’s note: This article is underwritten by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. What might seem like an obvious truth to some employers — that people with disabilities need extra help, becoming a drag on productivity…
‘Our kids aren’t lost,’ KC educator says, urging innovative strategies amid virtual learning concerns
With heightened worries across the nation about the potential for virtual or remote learning to cause a “lost generation” among young students, Jon Hile urged Kansas City parents and the education community to shift their focus to the growing resilience and innovation already being seen across the metro. “People raise several very valid and important…
Founders’ Lab aims to open access to the world of capital for underrepresented would-be startup, investment leaders
A pandemic-founded program has students leading the charge as a new generation of founders and venture capitalists rises together against the backdrop of an evolving and accessible Kansas City, Maggie Kenefake said. “With underrepresented founders, it’s really shocking,” said Kenefake, managing director of Kansas City University Venture Fund (KCUVF) and venture partner at Royal Street…
