Latest Stories

Libby Martin, Calving Technologies; Pure Pitch Rally 2019; photo by Mikaela Wendel

Regnier student venture contest returns Friday with virtual finalist pitches, real-world prize money

When the Regnier Venture Creation Challenge returns Friday, the competition’s newly virtual format will still reflect its commitment to fostering innovation in early entrepreneurs, said Bryan C. Boots.  “The virtual RVCC will look different from what we’ve done in the past, but it will nonetheless provide an opportunity for practicing entrepreneurship, for gaining feedback on…

Jeff Colyer

Former Kansas governor: Time to disrupt is now — starting with cyber attacks on remote workers, government

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. As the Kansas City region recovers from the impact of a global…

Laura Manivong, Fattyhead Keto Crust

‘I think I’m gonna make it’: How a pizza pivot could keep Fattyhead Keto Crust bringing in the dough through pandemic

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. The new decade brought promise for Laura Manivong as an early stage…

LEANLAB secures $460K to help schools buy devices, WiFi hotspots for students sidelined by COVID-19 

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Kansas City’s digital divide will soon be narrower thanks to a LEANLAB…

It isn’t just free money: PPP loan funds come with strings attached

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the authors’ alone. Kirstin P. Salzman, Jessica Zeratsky and Kyle Gilster are partners at Husch Blackwell. This op-ed is sponsored by the Husch Blackwell law firm, which has offices in Kansas City and across the nation, and intended to provide additional insight into the Pacheck Protection Program (PPP) and its extension this week….

Scenes of Kansas City, April 24, 2020

The Kansas City you know is dying; Open letter to banks, donor-advised funds, and fellow Kansas Citians

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Adam Arredondo is CEO of STARTLAND — formerly the Kansas City Startup Foundation — the parent organization of Startland News and the talent programs MECA Challenge, MECA Methods, and Back2KC. This opinion piece was produced independently of Startland News with light editing. No…

Aja James and Mallory Jansen, Flexy

Flexy gets flexible in a newly all-virtual fitness world, but says there’s no substitute for in-person connections

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. If COVID-19 has a silver lining for Aja James and Mallory Jansen,…

Malachi Bowman, University of Kansas, Startup Weekend Kansas City 2019

Techstars Startup Weekend returns to fight COVID-19 … the caveat? It starts now

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Techstars Startup Weekend is adding new programming in the era of Coronavirus…

Five high-profile KC startup, business leaders slated for Junior Achievement hall of fame

A program that connects Kansas City business leaders with classrooms is giving high honors to a handful of startup veterans whose efforts to build global companies has already impacted a new generation of entrepreneurs. Bruce Ianni and Davyeon Ross, co-founders of ShotTracker; Christine Kemper, founding chair of Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy, and Sandy Kemper,…

"Masks for KC," Charlie Hustle

Charlie Hustle restarts ‘Heart of KC’ give-back effort with plan to produce 100K face masks

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Production of the famed KC Heart tee has stopped in the wake…