Latest Stories
Checkmate: Inventors’ high-tech chess board unlocks worthy opponent for rookies to rooks
An Overland Park-built connected gaming startup is making moves that run the queen’s gambit — approaching nearly $1 million in crowdfunding and unveiling its mission to make STEM-focused games more approachable. “I think a lot of kids and adults lose interest right away in something like a Rubik’s cube or chess — because it’s difficult,” explained Jeff…
Secret sauce called faith: How being Black, religion and mentors shaped Jy Maze, kept her startup from failing
The COVID-19 pandemic has not been the only hurdle for Maze Freight Solutions, said Jy Maze, and it certainly won’t be the last. “People think because you’re a CEO of a company that everything is gravy. No one knows about the bloody knees from praying, the begging for money, nobody giving you a shot —…
Black Pantry coming to Midtown: Boutique for Black-owned essentials opening storefront in shared space with Made in KC
When an opportunity pops up, make it permanent, said Brian Roberts, teasing the opening next month of The Black Pantry’s first brick-and-mortar storefront. The 650-square-foot space on the revitalized Martini Corner in Midtown is expected to open in early April: the product of an evolving partnership with the team at Made in KC. Roberts originally…
Building to billions: Inside KC’s premier esports team’s vision to reboot entertainment, game the future
All eyes were on the Kansas City Pioneers this weekend, as the esports gamers logged more than 500,000 viewers across various streaming platforms during a series of matches against some of the biggest competitors in the world. “In just one match alone, we had more than 160,000 people watching us play and engaging in the…
Not all entrepreneurs wear capes: Chamber’s ‘Superstars’ campaign unmasks heroes of KC business scene
A critical need is driving changes to one of Kansas City’s longest-running annual business events: support for every small business — no matter their scale or the neighborhoods in which they belong. “This is a time like no other,” explained Vicky Kulikov, small business director for the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, detailing changes to…
Why Husch Blackwell’s free legal counsel to minority-led small businesses could create a ‘ripple effect’ in KC and beyond
Editor’s note: The following commentary, sponsored by Husch Blackwell, is the second in a two-part series looking at an initiative at one of the city’s largest law firms to provide pro bono legal representation to minority businesses. The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Quinncy McNeal is pro bono counsel at Husch…
Beyond brownies: Chef turns to creativity-infused edibles; bake shop’s high blunted by social media blackout
When James Ryan’s mother holds a piece of paper, it trembles lightly in her hands. “Helping her is what got me going,” Ryan said, opening up about the experience of his mother, Linda San Juan, with a mild neurological condition, and ways it pushed him to find an entrepreneurial solution that could help ease her…
Paperboy to tech founder: How Jake Seaton returned to Kansas to help save the family business (and local news)
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. MANHATTAN,…
Checking out at home? Hotel Kansas City launches in-room remote working (and an exclusive KC bourbon)
One of Kansas City’s newest luxury hotels is ringing the service bell on a mid-pandemic professional getaway option, unpacking a plan to fill empty rooms with remote workers looking for a break in their COVID-19-restricted routines. And maybe a sip or two of a “resurrected” Kansas City bourbon blend. Hyatt-owned Hotel Kansas City has unveiled…
One beat closer to becoming ‘Urban Disney’: Healthy Hip Hop wins $500K bid from Dallas school district
More than 70,000 Texas students soon will be singing and dancing along to Healthy Hip Hop’s children’s music platform after the Kansas City startup finalized a $500,000 contract in the Lone Star State, said Roy Scott. “It’s a huge deal for us,” the Healthy Hip Hop co-founder said of the Dallas Independent School District agreement….
