Latest Stories
Why Swell Spark founders needed a business breakup to keep the startup (and their friendship) moving forward
Matt Baysinger and Ryan Henrich pedalled 100 miles over Utah’s rocky terrain as a milestone marker in the duo’s relationship — exiting a business partnership and riding ahead on a tight, decades-long friendship, Baysinger shared. “You hear time and time again that you shouldn’t go into business with your friends,” said Baysinger, who in October…
Decades before Thundergong, KC stars crafted comedy at what’s now a neighborhood coworking space
Editor’s note: The following story is sponsored by Plexpod, a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes. Nostalgia for the 1990s hit Billy Brimblecom hard when he recalled his days as a young comedian, performing alongside colleagues and friends — including the now-internationally famous actor Jason Sudeikis…
How a climate tech startup made its footprint in KC, but found its footing in a two-city solution
When the City of Kansas City, Missouri, came looking for ways to combat climate change in 2018, Sunny Sanwar raised his hand with a solution. “There’s a lot of extremely useful models in academia, [but they] oftentimes don’t solve for commercial viability. They’re solving to appease peers or for publishing in top journals,” said Sanwar,…
Legacy Skates rolls beyond fads; neighborhood skate shop laced with roller derby expertise
Luke and Annie Powell’s skate shop in Westside South isn’t just a way to make ends meet; it’s a legacy-building endeavor, deeply rooted in family. And it got its start with a childhood wish. “I wanted a pair of inline speed skates,” Luke Powell recalled, noting his 1990s dream came affixed with a ridiculous price…
Startland News opens office in Spark Kansas City; move boosts exposure, highlights momentum
A new strategic partnership between Startland News and Spark Kansas City is expected to strengthen the nonprofit newsroom’s brand and storytelling capacity with broader reach and new opportunities for live and virtual programming, said Tommy Felts. “Collaboration sparks greater impact,” said Felts, news director for Startland News. “A key element of our work is exposing…
Olathe startup set to launch STEM training facility; plans to create 150 jobs over next seven years
Starting as two scientists with an idea to solve slow and costly cell production, Ronawk has now blossomed into a rapidly growing startup with an increasing demand for its work, said A.J. Mellott. “We quickly realized that Ronawk was going to need a lot of talent to meet the demand of its products,” said Mellott,…
R3AL potential: Why Suli4Q’s work in KC doesn’t stop with the final track on his Top 10 hip hop album
A wildly successful 2020 for indie performer Suli4Q wouldn’t mean as much if the entertainer, entrepreneur, and evangelist for Kansas City prosperity didn’t also focus on impact in the real world, he said. “In my journey, my biggest goal in reaching my full potential is being able to visibly see the changes that I’m having…
Talent agency plans Next Paige in Kansas City’s story; a $50K grant could bring dream closer to reality
A shift in the arts and entertainment world is allowing Kansas City creatives to step into roles they’ve long deserved, Elaina Paige Thomas said, looking back on a performance career — and new opportunities — that reflect childhood dreams dancing toward reality. “It has been a journey and I never imagined being here this quickly,…
How a $290M investment from Insight Partners is expected to accelerate Kansas govtech company’s expansion
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. A…
‘Not Mexican enough, not American enough’: How a KCK restaurateur found his identity through food, family
Born in Mexico, Kansas-raised Carlos Mortera is defined by two, sometimes-conflicting cultures, he said — a contrast that led him to question his own identity, but ultimately answer with culinary creations that reflect a diverse Kansas City experience. “When I was younger, I struggled with feeling like I’m not from either place,” shared Mortera, who…
