Latest Stories
Overland Park startup among half-dozen companies selected for KC’s new insurtech accelerator
A new insurtech accelerator is ready to launch virtually, Brush Creek Partners announced this week, revealing the first cohort for bcp tech. “Despite the challenges of COVID-19, bcp tech attracted an incredible group of applicants, all with unique broker-focused insurtech solutions,” said Travis Holt, CEO and co-founder of bcp tech and Brush Creek Partners, reflecting…
Pure Pitch Rally opens applications, plans for in-person fall event at new Loews hotel
The best way to create more opportunity — and equity — is to push forward, said Karen Fenaroli. Competition applications are open for the first major in-person startup event announced since COVID-19 shut down many Kansas City workplaces and brought traditional networking to a standstill. The invite-only Pure Pitch Rally is set for Oct. 12…
‘Beacon of light’ — Meet four new Digital Sandbox startups that could reshape KC tech
Digital Sandbox KC’s latest quartet of funded companies will help Kansas City build a better, more inclusive startup ecosystem, said Jill Meyer. “We’ve always been keenly aware of the inequities in the tech ecosystem, especially for entrepreneurs of color,” said Meyer, who leads Digital Sandbox and is senior director of the Technology Ventures Studio at…
Wesley Hamilton withdraws from partners he says didn’t value BLM, planning standalone gym for adaptive athletes
Withdrawing from professional partnerships that don’t align with his values — specifically the Black Lives Matter movement — will be a struggle, Wesley Hamilton admitted, but adaptive athletes already know the heavy lift of overcoming challenges in life. “I need to make sure that I am not only bringing value to my community, but that…
Healium adapts VR to needs of COVID ‘stress olympics’ — wins P&G Ventures innovation challenge
Stress levels rose with the number of Coronavirus cases over the past few months — and neither seem headed for decline any time soon, said Sarah Hill, the recently announced winner of the P&G Ventures Innovation Challenge. “This is the stress olympics. Not everyone has trained for it. Not only are we trapped in our homes,…
Ready to hire? First ask: Does your startup really need another full-time employee?
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Stephanie Smithmier is an expert in talent recruitment, serving as the director of the administrative division at Morgan Hunter in Kansas City. I’m a toe-dipper. A pool, the lake, the ocean — I’m going to test the waters first, only willing to sacrifice…
UV light really can kill Coronavirus, founder says — and his tech proves it from the inside
Outfitting existing HVAC systems with ultraviolet lighting in offices and public spaces could be the most sustainable, long-term solution to eliminating the Coronavirus — and fears over returning to work, said Dave Ogle. “I know there’s a lot of jokes. President Trump [talking about] sticking UV up people’s rear ends — which is total nonsense,” joked Ogle,…
KC coders developing government accountability tool for newsrooms, public
As an ongoing pandemic keeps COVID-19 in the headlines, it’s difficult for Kansas City journalists to cover all local government meetings — too often resulting in critical developments and decisions falling through the cracks, say newsroom leaders. Even in the best of times, activity is spread across 119 different municipalities in the region, proving a…
Art teacher-turned-maker: You don’t need to be in a museum to be a ‘real artist’ (or full-time to be an entrepreneur)
Amid the hustle and bustle of raising a young family and teaching elementary school art, Sara Kharatyan sneaks away to her kiln. It’s her quiet place; a spot just for her, tucked away in her Parkville home. And what started as a hobby is now padding her family’s bank account in unexpected ways. “The business…
Chef Collective KC cooks up plan for long-term sustainability as pandemic, hunger persist
The global pandemic didn’t create Kansas City’s food insecurity challenges, said Jon Taylor, but COVID-19’s impact did expose how quickly the line can be blurred or even erased for those looking for their next meal. “There are a substantial number of people who [because they lost their jobs] went from having what they viewed as…
