Latest Stories
Fattyhead feeds demand for keto-friendly pizza crust; What’s the founder’s secret?
Fattyhead began as a labor of love: a path toward a more healthful diet that transformed into a booming business for Kansas City native Laura Manivong. “I started feeling better, I started having energy and my body stopped hurting as much,” said Manivong, creator of her own low-carb, ketogenic pizza crust. Manivong’s journey started 18…
Innovation versus inclusive prosperity: Can hub developers create both in Kansas City?
Place and prosperity go hand-in-hand, said William Dowdell. Less clear, however, is how developers and communities will strike a balance in their efforts to generate innovation and wealth in Kansas City. “Geography is a big part of this. When we talk about expanding opportunity and bringing innovation, we also have to look at those spaces…
Rightfully Sewn awarded first government grant to expand workforce development effort
A $25,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration is expected to help push Rightfully Sewn closer to its goal of community impact through seamstress training. The Crossroads-based venture — with its glimmering atelier focused on economic development via the fashion industry — was among 12 winners of the SBA’s Makerspace Training, Collaboration and Hiring…
With an athletic look and fit, North KC’s TiScrubs aims to be the ‘Nike of scrubs’
The endurance and durability of TiScrubs help give medical professionals servicing children the air of an athlete stepping onto the field, said Natalie Busch. Founder of the North Kansas City startup, Busch saw the need for updated medical wear when working Team Smile, a nonprofit run by her husband, Bill, which partners with sports teams…
KCRise Fund launches second fund; first investments in backstitch, Bungii, Daupler
KCRise Fund today announced the launch of its second fund — KCRise Fund II — along with three new investments in high-growth, early-stage Kansas City tech companies. Backstitch, Bungii and Daupler are the latest startups to join the KCRise Fund family, and the first three portfolio companies for the new fund. All three are featured…
Spray can inspiration: ‘Streets wear the brand’ for graffiti-influenced Clever Fools
It’s a brand already plastered across the Crossroads Arts District, skating with increasing reach into the broader Kansas City fashion scene, Clever Fools creator Alex Trinkle said. All courtesy of guerrilla marketing and effectively mysterious social media for the clothing line. “The streets actually wear the brand,” said Trinkle, echoing the brand’s motto. “As in…
Startup Hustle podcast breaks into Apple’s Top 100 with robust guest list of startup icons
The on-air formula is as simple as the Startup Hustle podcast’s name: Match innovative personalities with compelling startup topics, said Matt DeCoursey, as the guest list count for the popular podcast now soars past 150. “The people we have had on the show — like Sandy Kemper — people like him are really intriguing,” said…
How a KC design firm bottled J Rieger’s history into a distillery experience built on detail (Photos)
Pairing a homegrown company on the cutting edge of design with the creator of “Kansas City Whiskey” was the perfect match for telling the storied history of J. Rieger and Co., said Andy Rieger. In an awe-striking ode to the company’s nearly century-old prohibition-era roots, co-founder Rieger commissioned Dimensional Innovations two years ago to craft…
Ruby Jean’s Whole Foods spot will blend in Troost inclusivity, Chris Goode pledges
As Chris Goode prepares to open a new Ruby Jean’s location Saturday inside a Whole Foods Market south of the Country Club Plaza, the health enthusiast’s hustle hasn’t outpaced his thirst for community, he said. “From Troost to Brookside, Ruby Jean’s will continue to create a truly inclusive space,” Goode said, referencing the popular Ruby…
Inc. 5000 ranks Matt Watson’s Stackify among top fastest-growing companies in KC
If founders don’t put themselves out there, they’ll never know how far they can grow, advised Matt Watson, shortly after Inc. Magazine ranked his tech startup — Stackify — one of the fastest growing companies in Kansas City. “I mean, we’re not boiling the ocean over here, but we’re just slowly growing a little every…
