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WATCH: Startland News Reports – Kansas City VC-Backed Companies
Join Startland News for another edition of Startland News Reports as findings from its 2021 Kansas City VC-Backed Companies Report — a collaboration between UMKC’s Tech Venture Studio and Startland News — inform candid conversations with Kansas City-based startup founders and venture capital experts.
Grassroots ‘Kansas Cannabis Chamber’ sprouts as legalization looms; led by KC CBD mom-turned-industry advocate
For the first time in Sunflower State history, a bill to legalize medical marijuana passed in the Kansas House in May. Behind the effort: a locally grown coalition of cannabis advocates. The Kansas Cannabis Coalition formed in summer 2020, composed of about 50 individuals who have shown leadership in the cannabis industry, said Heather Steppe,…
Mixed Mutt fetches new home for doggie ice cream shop inside Crossroads pup space
Opportunity continues to bark for Mixed Mutt Creamery, Sherri Corwin said, announcing the dog-friendly ice cream shop will soon move from its Midtown storefront to join forces with another pet-focused small business in the Crossroads Arts District. “This is a huge opportunity for growth,” Corwin told Startland News, detailing a new partnership between Mixed Mutt…
Who’s getting funded in KC? The answer requires a long look in the mirror, analysts say
Editor’s note: Startland News asked industry experts to take an early look at the data behind the 2021 Kansas City Venture Capital-Backed Companies Report — the culmination of a three-month collaboration between UMKC’s Technology Venture Studio and Startland News, and presented by Mylo, a Lockton Company. Below are some of their leading takeaways, along with…
2021 Kansas City’s VC-Backed Companies Report
Higher headcounts and more than a billion dollars in funds raised. The 2021 Kansas City Venture Capital-Backed Companies Report provides a rare snapshot into the bustling, two-state metro’s growth-stage, venture-backed companies. The 2021 report — the culmination of a three-month collaboration between UMKC’s Technology Venture Studio and Startland News — reflects not only ongoing deal…
Microwave meals to dating apps: How Sally Williams harnesses the power of new products for founders
After 40 years in the game, a nearly lifelong career might leave little room for surprises. Yet for Sally Williams, every rise of the sun brings new opportunities, revolving largely around Kansas City’s potential to push the bounds of innovation, she said. “I have clients who have products in the International Space Station and I…
Makefully Studios earns $1M grant for problem-solving game co-designed by kids
A Kansas City media company’s commitment to play-based research and development recently helped score Makefully Studios a $1 million government grant for a children’s problem-solving game. “There’s no other word but proud and grateful,” said Anna Jordan-Douglass, founder and chief creative officer of Makefully Studios, which recently was awarded the funds from the National Science Foundation’s…
A dough master brought Chinese hand-pulled noodles (拉面) to South JoCo; a robotic cat delivers them to your table
Hand-pulled noodles were a staple in Elvin Liu’s childhood, he shared, joking that the traditional noodles could be found on any street corner in China — just like Starbucks in the United States. “I moved to Kansas around the end of the year of 2010. I saw a lot of noodle soups, like pho and…
Filling a capital void: AltCap builds capacity, momentum after its busiest year to date
Editor’s note: The following story is sponsored by Academy Bank, a Kansas City based community bank, and is part of a series of features spotlighting some of the bank’s startup and small business partners. The past 18 months have been a critical turning point for AltCap, said Ruben Alonso, as the nonprofit has grown to…
MO tech jobs pay double the state’s average wage, fueling economic growth, new report says
Missouri’s tech industry remains a driving economic force despite widespread job loss and economic turmoil caused by COVID-19, according to a new report that details how the Show Me State is outpacing national tech growth. Among the report’s key takeaways: Average earnings for all jobs in Missouri was $64,000 in 2020, while the average earnings of…
