Latest Stories
Chiefs’ Super Bowl run ‘like Christmas’ (and Royals’ big win) all over again for KC apparel startups
The Chiefs heading to the Super Bowl isn’t just a good look for the team — it’s a win for small business owners as excited Kansas Citians buy local to keep the party going, said Mark Launiu. “I was really stoked for the city obviously, but I just texted my friends like, ‘Man, if you…
Clark Hunt: Super Bowl-bound KC Chiefs didn’t get it right overnight; founders won’t either
If entrepreneurs want to win like the Kansas City Chiefs, they must be unafraid of pivoting, explained Clark Hunt. “The National Football League is extremely competitive and it’s very difficult to win games consistently — even with a talented roster. But it is impossible to win if everyone is not aligned and working together to…
Cherry designs Chiefs-inspired KC Legacy collection for one city, united in sports
A new Cherry sports apparel collection commemorates past Chiefs players with a focus on community impact and bridging a divided Kansas City through pride in the city teams, said Thalia Cherry. “I think the excitement around the Chiefs will be here for years to come, and … I often share when I speak with groups…
Pipeline’s Jan. 23 showcase bridges larger-than-life gala, community-building personality
First impressions: Kansas City’s organic “all in this together” approach boosts the vibrancy of its startup community and thriving cultural scene, said Melissa Vincent. And one of Pipeline’s premier events should reflect that personality, she added. “I think that to be able to step in to Kansas City in this role with Pipeline where there…
Sprint VP: Corporate engagement helps drive KC startup ecosystem, next-generations of innovation
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Bryan Fries is vice president of 5G marketing strategy and global services for Sprint. From job creation and economic growth to the increase in competition and innovation, Kansas City-area startups and entrepreneurs play a vital role within the ecosystem of our community. And…
Jeff Shackleford named ECJC’s top exec, aims to keep nonprofit’s impact on entrepreneurs in the billions
A transition to new leadership at the Enterprise Center in Johnson County comes with a pledge to build upon the work of the nearly 25-year-old nonprofit, said Jeff Shackelford. “The ECJC will continue to play a vital role in being a focal point for local companies and entrepreneurs looking to raise capital to start and…
TechMap Kansas reveals open tech jobs, potential for startups to reshape employment trends
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. LAWRENCE…
Newly launched Dare to Venture competition set to award $30K in micro-grants
Participants in a series of select entrepreneurship courses this winter will be eligible to win a total of $30,000 in micro-grant awards thanks to the Urban Business Growth Initiative. Funded by the City of Kansas City, Missouri, and administered by the UMKC Innovation Center, the new Dare to Venture Micro-Grant Competition is expected to feature…
Chris Barnett: Pause what you’re doing for a Magical To-do List thought experiment
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Chris Barnett is the former executive vice president of global sales and marketing for EyeVerify (now Zoloz), as well as an advisor to such startups as Ainstein, Pepper IoT, and Yotabites. Barnett is fractional chief sales officer for RiskGenius and founder/principal of Barnett…
Female coaches face tighter scrutiny, former D1 coach says; docUssist protects careers on the court
A new partnership between Overland Park-based docUssist and an “army of female coaches” will help the sports tech startup in its mission to protect the careers and reputations of women on basketball courts across the globe, said Marsha Frese. “Female coaches are one of the most targeted groups with respect to Title IX violations and…
