Latest Stories

Universe of ‘things’ expanding rapidly, Big Bang says

Editor’s Note: To stay in consistent contact with founders, Startland News is launching a weekly follow-up series featuring top area startups and entrepreneurs. Imagining the future of the “Internet of Things” — a universe of connected devices — is as impossible today as accurately fathoming in 1995 how then-fledgling Internet technology would change the world,…

Four KC area firms land spots in Inc. 500 fastest growing list, dozens in top 5000

Forty Kansas City area firms are featured on the annual Inc. 5000 list, which includes the nation’s fastest growing businesses. Among them, four local firms were included in the more exclusive Inc. 500 list, with Lever 1 nabbing a No. 44 ranking. In 2016, only one Kansas City company made the 500 list, ranked No….

EyeVerify announces name change, new product offering in Asia

Nearly a year after being acquired by Ant Financial for more than $100 million, Kansas City-based EyeVerify wants its new vision reflected in a new name. The biometrics tech firm is changing its name from EyeVerify to Zoloz, EyeVerify CEO Toby Rush wrote in a recent company blog post. The company, which at this time…

Techstars Spotlight: Ampogee ‘gamifies’ manufacturing work

Measure. Assemble. Test. Repeat. The monotony of manufacturing jobs might make it difficult for workers to feel appreciated and recognize their impact. Ampogee’s solution: Game on. The Greensboro, North Carolina-based startup — which earned a spot on the inaugural Techstars KC cohort last month — has developed a software-as-a service platform, which “gamifies” employee performance….

Shannon McGinley, CityShape Fitness

CityShape offers KC’s fitness-minded variety, exercise exploration

  Variety is key to connecting a diverse fitness community, Shannon McGinley said. Her company, CityShape Fitness, aims to bridge the gaps by offering web-based monthly memberships that give users access to a range of gyms and studios across the metro. “It’s about building community in Kansas City, and connecting people to all the tools…

Deadlines loom for funding, educational and fellowship opportunities

Opportunities abound, Kansas City. Whether you’re an early stage entrepreneur looking for some extra cash, representing an organization aiming to double down on its efforts, or someone seeking mentorship, the Kansas City entrepreneurial community has options available — if you take the initiative. To lend a hand, we’ve gathered some timely opportunities. Act quickly! Deadlines are…

CPR alert! KC Fire adopting tech to notify bystanders of cardiac arrest

Embracing innovation and collaboration, the Kansas City Fire Department is expected to launch technology this month that is designed to notify residents trained in CPR when a person in their vicinity experiences sudden cardiac arrest and is awaiting first responders. Sudden cardiac arrest is responsible for about 350,000 deaths a year, according to the American…

KC’s Site 1001 eyes Raleigh as next smart city, opens innovation office

Following the firm’s $6 million raise earlier this month, Kansas City-based Site 1001 recently announced it selected the city of Raleigh, North Carolina, for a new office and innovation center. A technology spin out from Kansas City construction giant JE Dunn Construction, the firm said in a release that it plans to work with Raleigh’s…

SXSW

Voting open: KC-based efforts vie for spots among SXSW 2018 panels

SXSW 2018 is still six months away, but members of the Kansas City startup community need supporters’ help now to land a coveted spot on the Austin-based conference’s panel lineup for March. At least three proposals with KC ties are among those being considered during SXSW’s PanelPicker Community Voting process, which runs through Aug. 25….

OYO Fitness flexes muscles internationally after $1M in US crowdfunding

The pressure isn’t letting up for OYO Fitness. With nearly $1 million in sales via crowdfunding already banked, the Kansas City-based fitness firm hopes to add more muscle to its brand by expanding into Asia. After previous success on U.S.-based Kickstarter and Indiegogo, OYO (On Your Own) Fitness launched its collapsible, portable gym product last…