Latest Stories
No late risers: KC’s hottest line leads to a sell-out doughnut; owners balance appetite with days-long production
At 4:45 a.m. on a rainy Saturday morning, Susan Worrel of Overland Park was first in line at the new Slow Rise doughnut shop by her subdivision. She had tried the week before, arriving an hour before the doors opened, only to find a line of hungry would-be diners stretching down the shopping center. The…
Kansas City data centers and AI flip the script on job security
Editor’s note: This story was originally published by The Beacon, a member of the KC Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story from The Beacon, an online news outlet focused on local, in-depth journalism in the public interest….
C2FO passes half-trillion-dollar mark as businesses pivot to working capital from traditional debt
In a high-cost environment, businesses across the globe are prioritizing “on-demand” liquidity over new debt, said Sandy Kemper, announcing Wednesday that Kansas City-based C2FO has now provided more than a half-trillion dollars in working capital to entrepreneurs worldwide. “Hitting half a trillion of funding with zero credit loss is something fairly unique in the financial…
Redbud VC drops $25M Fund II in its attempt to ‘out-hustle the market’ for top talent, Midwest unicorns
A new $25 million fund for Columbia-based Redbud VC is expected to help identify and develop top-tier, pre-seed innovators before they head to the coasts to find more abundant capital, said Brett Calhoun. “There isn’t an underground hacker house pumping out unicorn founders,” said Calhoun, general partner at Redbud VC, in a blog post. “The…
Thai Orchid expansion blossoms; new restaurant coming to emerging foodie destination
It’s time to bring Thai Orchid’s homecooking, well … home, said second-generation owner Jonathan Rojjanasrirat, teasing the October opening of a new Shawnee location for his family-owned, street food-inspired restaurant in a thriving entertainment district. “We live in Shawnee. We’ve always loved the energy in the downtown area. With so many great spots, it’s become…
Report: Kansas lawmakers tasking AI chatbots in the Statehouse (with no checks on responsible use)
Editor’s note: The following story was published by the Kansas News Service and KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. The Kansas News Service interviewed lawmakers on both sides of the aisle about their use of…
Keystone Angels takes wing with emerging leader; next up: saving startups from the valley of death
A familiar face in Kansas City’s business ecosystem is stepping into a leadership role aimed at tackling one of the biggest challenges facing local startup founders: access to early-stage funding. In February, Regina Sosa Valdovinos launched into a newly-developed director position at Keystone Angels, an angel investment network focused on connecting founders with investors across…
Best AI strategy for your business: Make it Midwest practical, says startup duo reunited after DEG exit
For many companies racing to adopt artificial intelligence, the biggest challenge isn’t the technology; It’s knowing where to begin, said Neal Sharma, whose new venture alongside Craig Sizemore aims to turn AI hype into real business value. “Everyone knows they need to do something,” said Sharma, executive chairman and co-founder of Kansas City-based STEPS Consulting….
How seasoned design is shaking up the fan experience at KC’s newest outdoor music site
A massive outdoor concert destination is rising in Riverside, promising to reshape the Kansas City region’s live music scene when the 16,000-capacity Morton Amphitheater welcomes its first crowds this summer — replacing construction equipment with scores of fans in a space designed to make the most of their night out. “It’s actually really centrally located…
Sports, tech leaders: This is our moment to turn Kansas City’s new fans into investors
With Kansas City’s knack for scoring big sports headlines, opportunity is on the court for the region to boost its brand as a hub for innovation, said Pam Kramer, emphasizing that the eyes of the world will be watching when the World Cup arrives this summer in the Midwest. But the shot clock is already…
