Latest Stories
Kansas City corporate leader works to take ClimateTech from research to the real world
The solar canopy at Operation Breakthrough’s high-profile STEM lab and youth coworking space was an opportunity for Black & Veatch to put one of the firm’s core capabilities to use for the community and the climate, said Ilya Tabakh. “[Our goal was] to support an initiative that supports STEM education, combines sustainability and technology, and…
Just funded: Meet the five latest startups scaling their tech, Digital Sandbox KC’s impact
Five emerging startups are the latest to benefit from Digital Sandbox KC’s support — investment and resources that have led to more than $200 million in follow-on funding in less than 10 years for Sandbox companies. “Without this funding, it would have taken us much longer, as the whole project is currently being bootstrapped,” said…
Developers’ plan for massive West Bottoms investment stirs fear in some neighbors
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. SomeraRoad’s ambitious proposal to transform a sleepy section of the West Bottoms into a “dynamic” mixed-use district has strong…
How a historic Roman Catholic private school became ‘the queerest hotel in Kansas’
With its claim to fame as the first incorporated city in Kansas, Leavenworth is a hidden treasure of historical sites, said Ilan Salzberg, but its significance does not end within its past, as the vibrant town has still so much to offer. “Leavenworth is a really cool town that I think commonly gets overlooked. People…
Give yourself permission to pause the hustle; injury prompts serial entrepreneur to get grounded
Trauma from a brain injury after an auto accident last fall left Joy Broils downshifting her Type A personality and ambitious drive to a few hours of work each day, the entrepreneur said. The incident, however, prompted her to slow down and focus on a new startup idea: Hustle & Ground, a monthly subscription box…
Go Topeka launches ‘Kansas Innovation Dealroom’ to track startup ecosystem growth
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. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. WICHITA…
Kauffman CEO retiring this fall: New leader must support ‘entrepreneur-focused economic development’
President and CEO of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Wendy Guillies announced that she will be retiring this fall after 22 years with the nonprofit. “Like many people over the past extraordinary few years, I’ve reflected on my professional and personal priorities. What won’t change is my drive to engage in work that makes our…
Its menu simmers with just five dishes; How Thaiger’s bowl’d flavors roll in complex family recipes
When someone orders the spicy pho or crispy pork belly bowl at Thaiger, they soon receive it just as Adison Sichampanakhone and his family make it at home, he shared. “If you were to come to one of our barbecues or cookouts, you would see it’s the same preparation, same sauce as we do here…
He wants to create 100 millionaires before he dies (but first Nassir Criss says he’ll have to leave KC)
Nassir Criss has been a risk-taker for as long as he can remember, he shared. “When you start at the bottom, the only place you can go is up — so I’ve never been afraid to speak my mind or walk up to someone who I think may be interesting and say hello. I haven’t…
Sometimes self-care is more about shutting down than showing out (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. When I recently made the decision to dissolve my self care brand, Grace & Grind, it was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever had to make. From the outside looking…
