Latest Stories
Myndset shift: Why this founder says results under pressure come from repetition, not inspiration
Now live and gaining traction, Myndset is showing early demand for what founder Craig Mason calls a pressure response operating system — built to help high performers stay steady and execute in real, high-stakes moments. Since launching Dec. 22, the Kansas City startup has attracted nearly 400 active users and 10,000 interactions, Mason told Startland…
CodeAlgo Academy hits classrooms as the edtech platform (and founder) proves independence
After years of putting the building blocks together, Triumfia Houmbie Fulks’ edtech startup has officially entered the game, the founder said, noting she launched the coding platform into area schools this fall. The move pushes Kansas City-based CodeAlgo Academy beyond beta and into real K-8 classrooms where students are actively solving problems, creating games, and…
Bracket-style startup pitch competition courts innovators, angels for March gameplay
WICHITA, Kan. — Applications are open for a statewide startup pitch competition set to return in March alongside the Big 12 men’s basketball tourney. The high-profile event connects emerging founders with angel investors and corporate innovators — and a $25,000 top prize. The Gamechangers & Champions 2026 “Bracket Bash” is planned for March 10 at the…
KC’s FairWave Collective acquires legacy North Carolina coffee brand, deepening ties to Triangle region
A Kansas City-based, private equity-backed network of specialty coffee companies — notably including Messenger and The Roasterie coffees — added another brand to its ranks: a 31-year-old, brick-and-mortar mainstay in Chapel Hill and Durham, North Carolina. FairWave Collective announced the acquisition Monday, adding Joe Van Gogh Coffee to its growing collective of 14 coffee, tea,…
Photos: Newsmakers scoop awards at Startups to Watch celebration, teasing action ahead
The preview is complete; next comes the headline-grabbing startup activity, said Tommy Felts, voicing anticipation for the year ahead — months that promise Kansas City companies making good on their efforts to scale innovation throughout the region. An awards reception Tuesday evening served as the culmination of Startland News’ rollout for its Kansas City Startups to…
How two, decades-apart military pairings landed a 130-year-old Greek liqueur brand in KC stores
Just one sip of this cinnamon clove-infused Greek liqueur and Glen Shilland was won over. But he wasn’t just enjoying Zamoura; he was immediately envisioning an import business so others in the U.S. could enjoy it too. Produced in Patras, Greece, since 1895, Zamoura is made with a secret family recipe and all-natural ingredients. “It…
Caffeinated by design: Why coffee is critical infrastructure at Topeka’s new innovation hub
Sparrow Coffee Co. roasts second home inside Link Innovation Labs as space prioritizes local small businesses alongside startups TOPEKA — When a hotly-anticipated innovation hub opens its doors Feb. 9 in downtown Topeka, visitors might notice the scent of freshly brewed coffee before they even catch sight of the startup space’s state-of-the art high-tech labs….
Innovation hub sets opening for critical wet labs, space for startups, small biz entrepreneurs
TOKEKA — Furniture deliveries are rolling in, the bright, bold green exterior sign is up, and Topeka’s new hub for science, startups, and collaboration is nearly ready to open its doors. After years of planning and prep, the hotly-anticipated Link Innovation Labs project is entering the final stretch of construction, setting the stage for a…
811 Retail’s impact sells itself, incubator leader says; counter space opens for 5 entrepreneurs
The 811 Retail Incubator’s first 18 months met every expectation, Dan Smith shared, including proving The Porter House KC’s core theory: combining below-market retail space with real-world education creates a “learn while you earn” environment. A handful of spots within Kansas City’s first retail incubator have now reopened at 811 E. 31st St. after it…
Here’s how three UMKC student teams are prepping for the RooLink Digital Healthcare Sprint
Editor’s note: This story was first published by Tech Venture Studio at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Click here to read the original story. Through the RooLink Digital Healthcare Sprint, three University of Missouri-Kansas City graduate student-led teams are developing digital healthcare-related innovations as a major step on the path toward commercialization. Teams may apply for up…
