Latest Stories
Proposed KCMO budget includes $4.8M for zero-fare transit — cuts LaunchKC, KCSourceLink funding
A newly proposed city budget for Kansas City, Missouri, holds steady at $1.73 billion — making room for Mayor Quinton Lucas’ zero-fare transit program, while appearing to scale back funding for entrepreneur support across the city. KCMO would remove $50,000 for the LaunchKC program and $75,000 for KCSourceLink, if the submitted budget is approved, according…
The Village KC plans STEM camp, financial literacy efforts to help KCMO teens unlock potential
A new sense of freedom is on the horizon for Kansas City teens as The Village KC opens its doors and empowers young people to find their futures. “Freedom, to me, is access to opportunities that allow you to live well,” Di’Anna Saffold, founder and executive director, explained of ways The Village KC aims to…
AltCap’s NeXt Stage KC launches with one goal: More ‘Yes’ for minority entrepreneurs
Diversity is just good business, said LaDonna Gooden, emphasizing that companies with a variety of perspectives consistently outperform their competitors. “The opportunity really exists for everyone in this ecosystem to benefit and participate [in Kansas City’s startup scene],” said Gooden, entrepreneur in residence and coach for NeXt Stage KC, a program of AltCap. “I don’t…
Startup Road Trip: Student-led KU Blockchain Institute has high-tech dreams with graduation nearing
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. LAWRENCE…
‘Scarlet Knight’ cuts through comic book stigma with real-life entrepreneur, brand crossovers
Continuing his comic book quest to capture the realities of urban life, Juaquan Herron returns to drop the Scarlet Knight’s second volume — this time featuring some recognizable Kansas City faces, he said. “It’s just one of those things where you definitely have to figure out other avenues to make the brand bigger — bigger…
Nine months after KC startup’s exit, its new owner adopts ‘Zego’ name, identity
Acquiring Kansas City-based Zego was a smart move for its new owner, the San Diego company said Tuesday — and a decision so impactful that the evolving tech platform is taking on the name and personality of the exited smart home startup. “We are excited to take the next steps in our company’s evolution,” said Dirk…
First look: WeWork Lightwell illuminates space for growing teams downtown (Photos)
Despite national headlines that question WeWork’s staying power, a second Kansas City location signals light at the end of the tunnel for the coworking giant. “The expectation of the workforce is changing,” Erik Wullschleger, WeWork community director, explained during a Startland News tour of the newly opened space, which occupies the third and fourth floors…
Beyond just bats: Pro Athlete takes a swing at apparel, innovation with its first acquisition
Whether a company has just left the bench or been in the game for more than 30 years, the key to innovation is simple: maintain a startup mentality and growth is sure to follow, said Andrew Dowis. “One of our core values is embracing innovation,” explained Dowis, CEO of Pro Athlete — a Kansas City-grown…
ScaleUP! KC unveils cohort packed with 17 entrepreneurs, backed by new leader
A 10th cohort for ScaleUP! Kansas City continues the program’s five-year legacy of helping entrepreneurs scale a diverse array of companies, the effort’s new leader said. “This program demonstrates over and over that you can not only start a business in Kansas City, but also that you can get all the tools, coaching, perspective and…
Post-exit detour takes founder on a journey back to a time before plastic ruled the world
Living as determined “plastic haters,” the husband-and-wife duo behind Detour Goods craft wooden toys as a callback to higher-quality manufacturing and a time before entertainment was dominated by technology. “I think we’re living in a day and age where we’re just so addicted and connected to our screens,” said Jordan EuDaly, co-owner of the Kansas…
