Latest Stories

KC startup earns $100K from Google initiative, funding its ‘food as medicine’ tech solution for chronic illnesses, healthy food inequity

Kansas City-based startup Free From Market will receive $100,000 in non-dilutive funding from Google as part of the tech giant’s initiative to support Black-led startups. Free From Market is a digital health platform that unites the key components needed for people with chronic conditions to make lasting dietary changes: personalized food selection, nutritional education and…

2000 Vine: Brewed under pressure, KC’s first Black-owned brewery puts more than reputations on the vine

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series from Startland News highlighting entrepreneurs, businesses, and creators leading revitalization and redevelopment efforts in and around the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. Click here to read additional stories from this series. A brewery under construction at 2000 Vine on Kansas City’s East Side comes from…

2000 Vine: East Side office space amplifies ‘place’ as creative employees head back to work 

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series from Startland News highlighting entrepreneurs, businesses, and creators leading revitalization and redevelopment efforts in and around the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. Click here to read additional stories from this series. As the founder and CEO of public relations firm Lillian James Creative, Aaron Fulk…

Saroj Gupta, MyDigiRecords

KC-built healthtech app announces pre-seed funding from former JE Dunn CEO

Funds from a new pre-seed investment will help commercialize the MyDigiRecords app, its founder said, announcing critical new backing from one of Kansas City living entrepreneurial legends. The health records app — which will enable consumers to directly manage their health records, like immunizations and prescription drugs — announced Thursday the undisclosed, but “sizable” funding…

Newly merged Cyderes boasts 63-percent growth rate, beating timeline, expectations

Editor’s note: Cyderes is a financial supporter of Startland News’ nonprofit newsroom. Merging two cybersecurity powerhouses was a monumental task unto itself, said Robert Herjavec, but the newly formed Cyderes has exceeded expectations and more than overcome the challenges associated with blending the strengths of Herjavec Group and Fishtech Group. “Not only is our merger…

2000 Vine: ‘KC doesn’t understand how dope this guy is’ — Painter blessed with a space (and style) of his own

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series from Startland News highlighting entrepreneurs, businesses, and creators leading revitalization and redevelopment efforts in and around the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. Click here to read additional stories from this series. In an opportunity that “came out of nowhere,” Kansas City artist Warren “Stylez” Harvey…

2000 Vine: Traveling tattoo artist inks Kansas City HQ with clients buzzing for her return 

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series from Startland News highlighting entrepreneurs, businesses, and creators leading revitalization and redevelopment efforts in and around the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. Click here to read additional stories from this series. Before Kinesha Glover — better known as Keno G — ever picked up a…

Coworking space opens on former Sprint campus with former iWerx partner behind the (hot) desk

The sprawling Aspira campus in Overland Park is now home to a just-launched next-generation office workspace solution. Aspira NOW — a coworking space with a focus on tech connectivity — is the latest addition to the Occidental Management-owned development. “Aspiria NOW is a unique offering for entrepreneurs and businesses, providing them with a robust suite of…

Hold that thought: Leading with emotion might feel good at first, but there’s a smarter way (Holistic Hustle)

Kharissa Parker-Forte is a news producer, writer, certified health coach, and columnist for Startland News.  Read her “Holistic Hustle” columns for Startland News here. For more of her self-care tips on how to keep your cup full, visit kparker.co. Editor’s note: This commentary on emotional intelligence continues Parker-Forte’s series on the 7 Pillars of Self-Care…

2000 Vine: Chef Shanita’s urban eatery sets the table for prospects to access power

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series from Startland News highlighting entrepreneurs, businesses, and creators leading revitalization and redevelopment efforts in and around the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. Click here to read additional stories from this series. Renowned Kansas City chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant plans to open a “for purpose” urban eatery…