Latest Stories
With boost to $31M in funding, how will state agency power MO innovation? Check out its plan
Two months after Gov. Mike Parson and legislators bumped the Missouri Technology Corporation’s budget back into the double digits, the state-funded investment agency introduced its plan for implementing five new strategies designed to catalyze innovation and entrepreneurship in Missouri. Presented early this month at the Governor’s Conference on Economic Development, MTC released an execution roadmap…
DHS grant boosts more than federal agents’ safety — backing Kenzen’s high-growth expansion
A federal grant program dedicated to innovating new solutions to prevent crisis-level scenarios was a timely fit for Kenzen’s wearable, heat-sensing safety tech, said CEO Heidi Lehmann, detailing the Kansas City startup’s recent funding award and move into “high-growth mode.” Kenzen this summer received a $161,600 grant through the Department of Homeland Security’s Silicon Valley…
How one founder plans to use blockchain to bring equity, transparency to the ‘American Dream’ — buying a home
After back-to-back home-buying nightmares — where predatory practices left Louis Byrd with mounting bills from unexpected repairs — the Kansas City entrepreneur and creative force plans to launch a new blockchain-infused solution to increase transparency for homebuyers. The first tech product from Byrd’s Zanago Design, Kataba is expected to allow potential buyers to verify titles,…
These shoes are made for girls combat sports; now you can buy a pair down the street
A Kansas woman’s mission to bring girls’ athletic gear to traditionally male sports scored a big win this week as Yes! Athletics announced its move from online-only sales to local store shelves. Furthering its reach beyond the Yes! Athletics website, the shoe brand can be purchased at three Jock’s Nitch Sports stores in Kansas —…
Katz cat grins again: KC icon returning to the streets — this time near Liberty Memorial
Editor’s note: The following story was originally published by CityScene KC, an online news source focused on Greater Downtown Kansas City. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for the weekly CityScene KC email review. The Katz Drug Store sign, a one-time iconic streetscape fixture in Kansas City and beyond with its happy cat…
Pipeline opens application for 2023 fellowship, Pathfinder; boosts its own storytelling
Midwest entrepreneurs deserve the resources they need to scale into high-growth ventures, said Melissa Vincent, announcing the launch this week of applications for Pipeline’s latest fellowship and Pathfinder program for overlooked founders. Tapping into its network of more than 180 entrepreneurs who have generated over $2.2 billion in revenues, Pipeline’s support system ranges from intense…
KC BizCare awarded $300K by Kauffman for small business census, new ESO accelerator
Entrepreneurial support organizations experience many of the same challenges faced by Kansas City’s small business community, stifling their effectiveness, Nia Richardson noted. “This includes staffing and resource constraints, lack of business education and practical experience, and fragmented systems of support. Without addressing these structural and systemic constraints, enabling equitable and inclusive small business growth will…
2022 Kansas City’s VC-Backed Companies Report
The metro’s field of venture capital-backed companies is getting more crowded — their payrolls swelling with new employees — amid a bounce-back from the global pandemic and new signals of Kansas City’s momentum, according to data in a new report from Startland News. The 2022 Kansas City Venture Capital-Backed Companies Report provides an updated snapshot into…
Sicilian legacy meats its match: Why this rising star on KC’s food scene was DiCapo’s pick to take over family pizzeria after nearly 100-year run
As a teenager working in downtown Kansas City in the 1990s, Theresa Santos found herself spending her breaks and spare time at the Italian Gardens restaurant on 12th and Baltimore, she recalled. Growing up in New York City and infatuated with Italian culture and food, Santos quickly became friends with the staff — then the…
You shouldn’t have to drive through hell to find a car, founder says; Startup brings concierge service to online auto customers
Not all car buyers want to be in the driver’s seat — especially when attempting to navigate a disconnected roadmap of dealer-focused online marketplaces, said Eric Westphal. “Years ago, when I was looking for a car, I knew what I wanted and I couldn’t find it locally,” said Westphal, describing the inspiration behind Overland Park-based…
