Latest Stories
Tesseract Ventures developing SWARM drone technology for US Special Operations Forces
A just-announced contract with the U.S. military will fund the development of an Overland Park company’s next-generation warfare drone, said founder and robotics technologist John Boucard. The SWARM (Special Warfighter Assistive Robotic Machine) is set to revolutionize military operations by offering a new, much-needed capability: a highly versatile nano drone equipped with smart payload and…
One last push: Doula bootcamp founder wins PHKC’s $10K pitch after setting due date for success
James Hogue gave himself a deadline: score a big win for his fledgling nonprofit by May 1 or pursue another career. On April 30, he earned the validation he needed — winning The Porter House KC’s Pitch Night and a $10,000 cash prize. “Today’s the day right before May, and so the opportunity for us…
St. Joseph entrepreneur innovates to grow her dry-cleaning business in a struggling industry
Editor’s note: The following story was produced through a paid partnership with MOSourceLink, which boasts a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state of Missouri grow and succeed by providing free, easy access to the help they need — when they need it. ST. JOSEPH, Missouri — With only about half as…
How SCORE helped an entrepreneur’s late-night eureka moment turn into a thriving skewer business
Editor’s note: The following story was produced through a paid partnership with MOSourceLink, which boasts a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state of Missouri grow and succeed by providing free, easy access to the help they need — when they need it. ST. LOUIS — Shirley Washington’s middle-of-the-night inspiration — mixed…
Bardavon’s latest funding round gets a KC boost, supports Recovery+ new product rollout
A transformative product release from one of Kansas City’s leading healthtech companies coincides with a meaningful funding round — marking a new chapter in workers’ compensation, as well as for Bardavon’s recently announced new CEO, the company said. Financial details of the round — led by WestCap and NewRoad Capital Partners, with participation from KCRise Fund…
Kauffman Foundation revises funding priorities to three key areas, sharing first public details of its new strategic focus
A refreshed vision for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation aims to make Kansas City a national model for equitable economic mobility, dismantling systemic barriers and setting generations of historically under-resourced communities on the path to prosperity, according to just-released details from the influential organization. Updates to the Kauffman Foundation’s strategy come after the summer 2023…
MTC hits $50M investment milestone through its state-sponsored venture capital program
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri — A Show-Me State program launched a decade ago to drive economic development in Missouri and support tech founders has surpassed $50 million in equity-based investments for nearly 160 Missouri-based technology startups. The Missouri Technology Corporation announced the milestone Tuesday, lauding its Innovation, Development, and Entrepreneurial Advancement (IDEA) Fund for impact that…
Closing the funding and resource gap for women-owned businesses
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Latasha Randle is a Strategy & Small Business Program Manager at Block Advisors by H&R Block, which was founded in Kansas City and boasts its headquarters in downtown KC. Small businesses are the foundation of a flourishing economy. Every business, big or small,…
How Independence’s new speakeasy vibes tie into the ‘goats and rabbits’ of Kansas City’s past
Revitalization efforts needn’t overwrite history, said Bree and Travis Gensler, whose new venture in downtown Independence aims to infuse spirits of 2024 into the historic square without losing memories of the area’s storied past. Their latest pour: The Sentinel Room. Four years ago, the couple purchased a building on Lexington Avenue that contains three commercial…
Gains you can see: StratFit’s new gym in Waldo reps digital fitness platform’s heavy lifting
With his NYC-inspired training studio in Waldo opening earlier this spring, Daniel McKee wants to keep busy professionals motivated to stick to their fitness goals — and use the space to refine and advance adoption of his tech platform. “Everyone that comes to the door is very impressed with the place, we tried to make…
