Search Results: jannae gammage

LaunchKC invested in this founder’s vision; now she’s helping the grants competition boost KC’s startup scene

Editor’s note: LaunchKC — a longstanding initiative from the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City and the Downtown Council — annual funds six to seven companies through its popular fall grants competition. Winning members of the 2025 LaunchKC cohort are set to be announced at a LaunchKC Liftoff event Nov. 19 at J. Rieger &…

Grants competition returning with $55K for each winner; LaunchKC Liftoff applications open Aug. 14

LaunchKC leaders’ hopes and expectations for the popular competition’s grant-winning entrepreneurs go far beyond their final pitches, said Jim Erickson. “We want all of them to grow and prosper. We want, in 20 to 30 years, for us to be able to drive downtown and see skyscrapers with LaunchKC companies’ names on it, having driven…

This emerging fintech powerhouse is on a roll; how Cyphr models what’s possible with the right backing

On the journey to closing what’s believed to be the largest pre-seed investment raised by two Black women in the fintech industry in Missouri, the co-founders of Kansas City-based Cyphr accepted the challenges in front of them and rode through noise, said Jannae Gammage. “I always knew that raising money as two Black women would…

KC Chamber’s Superstars celebration empowers everyday small business heroes 

Editor’s note: The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is a non-financial partner of Startland News, which serves as the media partner for the Small Business Superstars program. The Blueprint KC has come a long way, said Sheraz Pompey, emphasizing the meaningful impact of being showcased as one of the KC Chamber’s Small Business Superstars….

MTC grant puts ‘cherry on top’ for KC startup closing its seed round; two more local companies earn MO funding

A trio of Kansas City tech startups are among seven Missouri companies splitting $2.2 million in equity-based investments from the State of Missouri — a funding milestone that not only reflects momentum, but amplifies it, one grant-winning founder said. The Missouri Technology Corporation on Tuesday announced the awards from its IDEA Fund, with investments slated for…