Latest Stories
Modest to momentum: KC’s mellow marshmallow maker is hopeful for a 2021 comeback
When crisp fall air kept Bill Wald cooped up inside, all he could think about was pouring himself the perfect cup of hot chocolate — topped with a sweet, sticky, marshmallow. But while Wald’s mug was full, his cupboards were bare; with not a single marshmallow in sight. “It was too cold to leave the house….
Entrepreneurs’ intellectual property rights: Invention theft prevention using patents
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary — the fourth in a four-part series — are the author’s alone. Chris Brown is the founder of Venture Legal where he represents startups, freelancers, and small businesses. This column is intended to be general in detail and does not constitute legal advice. When someone secures patent…
No glass ceiling over the glamp site: Women-led, Black-owned business opens luxury camping season
Kansas Citians no longer need to sacrifice a comfortable bed and running water to spend a night out in nature, said Tiffany Watts and Heather Shelton. Through glamping with Suite Tea, one can have the best of both worlds, the co-founders said. “Our primary mission is to create an elevated, special experience for our guests….
Rapid response, rapid scaling: Why the feds prescribed ModRN Health to meet nation’s indefinite demand for holistic virtual care
Kansas City-dispensed ModRN Health is scaling up and scrubbing in — working to help the U.S. government provide critical care on demand. The virtual primary care solutions startup has entered into a two-year indefinite demand and indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract with the federal government — expanding its offerings beyond primary care and into critical care as…
Meal donation app comes to KC: How the phone-eats-first foodie photo trend can help fight hunger
People are already taking photos of their food — why not donate to food banks at the same time, Andrew Glantz proposed. “GiftAMeal is a free mobile app; each time someone takes a photo of their order from one of our partner restaurants, we make a donation to a local food bank to help give…
Calling all developers, designers and entrepreneurs: KC Digital Drive launching AR/VR challenge March 30
KC Digital Drive is giving all those interested in the field of augmented reality or virtual reality a new opportunity to solve real world problems through innovative solutions, explained Aaron Deacon. “[KC Digital Drive’s Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Heartland Developer Challenge] is a series that goes from the early ideation phase to project…
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…
