Latest Stories
Artists as activists: Meet the KC group whose creative approach to advocacy needs little interpretation
A Kansas City nonprofit is training local artists on the intersection of art and public policy, hoping to create a generation of creatives ready to advocate for their communities. Heartland Arts KC aims to position Kansas City as a hub of local arts activism, said Logan Stacer, executive artistic director. “I want Kansas City to…
Off to college (towns): Axe throwing, mini golf set for Manhattan, Lawrence as Swell Spark expands at home
Swell Spark is once again expanding its locations, but this time Matt Baysinger and his team are scaling into smaller markets in the founder’s home state of Kansas. Swell Spark — a Kansas City-based entertainment company that creates shared experiences through escape rooms, axe throwing and indoor mini golf — is set to open a…
Athletes to angels: Startup player switches teams, leaving his venture to help connect founders to capital
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. WICHITA — As a fellow founder, Jacob O’Connor can offer empathy in his new role within the NXTUS angel investor syndicate, he shared. After graduating from Wichita State University in…
It’s cannabis trusted by top athletes: How this CBD brand’s KC leader fit everyday wellness with UFC, Crossfit, Royals
A Kansas City-based entrepreneur wants to prove how everyone — from athletes to individuals suffering from chronic health conditions — can benefit from CBD, he said. Dan Huerter, CEO of Pure Spectrum CBD, helped launch the organic phytocannabinoid company in 2016 after learning how CBD had benefited patients suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)…
Stress at work is inevitable; just don’t let it trigger something worse (Holistic Hustle)
Kharissa Parker is a news producer, writer, certified health coach, and “Holistic Hustle” columnist for Startland News. The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. For more of her self-care tips on how to keep your cup full, visit kparker.co. Let’s dive into the ins and outs of depression, stress, anxiety, and burnout….
Twice-exited serial entrepreneur joins Lawrence biotech firm as CEO
LAWRENCE — A Kansas biotechnology company has tapped a well-known founder to lead its innovative efforts to convert waste biomass into fuel for the earth — announcing Jason Tatge as the new CEO of PrairieFood. Tatge is a twice-exited startup leader, having previously led Farms Technology and Farmobile to acquisitions, and high-profile member of the…
Beer isn’t paint by numbers, it’s science: Why the art of brewing gets its own showcase at Innovation Festival
When Innovation Festival returns to Kansas City next week, the deep tech conference is set to highlight one popular group of makers who typically go unsung as scientists: brewers. Innovation Festival — Thursday, Aug. 3 through Saturday, Aug. 5 at Crown Center — is expected to showcase breweries during the conference’s final day, said Sonia…
Brew Bank raises the bar for craft beer, cocktails from this history-making Kansas taproom
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. TOPEKA — Kansas’ premier digital self-serve, craft beer bar is consistently pushing the envelope, said Ryan Cavanaugh, making Brew Bank a culinary and drinking destination like no other. “We’re always…
On-demand stylist app brings the salon to your door, books gigs for beauty professionals
The luxury of on-demand salon services in the convenience of your own home is now available to the Kansas City community, Ruth Shrauner shared. The Poshed On The Go app officially launched July 18 after a “wild, awesome, crazy ride” of a year for the Shawnee-based founder and CEO and her team. “Exciting, surreal, scary,…
Four-day For the Culture Fest arrives in Topeka to celebrate African-American history in Kansas
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. TOPEKA — Kansas’ capital city has a rich African-American history, Alonzo Harrison said, and it’s time for the community to come together to celebrate the past, present and future. “The Black…
