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Tesseract Ventures

2020 Startups to Watch: Tesseract Ventures building future of AI, robotics alongside ‘titans of industry’

Editor’s note: Startland News selected 10 Kansas City firms to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch list. The following is one of 2020’s companies. Click here to view the full, ranked list of Startups to Watch. The smartest minds in the Kansas City area have assembled in offices from the Crossroads to Martin City, working to build…

James DeWitt, Michael Wilson, Jason Mispagel and Josh Hill, United American Hemp

2020 Startups to Watch: United American Hemp aims for ‘perpetual harvest’ with Midwestern nice

Editor’s note: Startland News selected 10 Kansas City firms to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch list. The following is one of 2020’s companies. Click here to view the full, ranked list of Startups to Watch. United American Hemp is cultivating one of the region’s largest genetics operations just outside Louisburg, but the emerging startup’s competitive…

10 Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2020

Their hustle is fierce — their stories, strategies and strengths uncommon.  The future newsmakers rounding out Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2020 list are hungry to disrupt. They’re eager to drive and inspire innovation in industries under-explored or altogether forgotten.  They’re creating awareness; offering sustainable solutions to everyday problems.  These are startups…

Nathan Corn, FlexPro

BetaBlox veteran Nathan Corn flexes ‘bootstrapped’ label with $12M in annual revenue

Nathan Corn began with hustle and an $8,000 nest egg, determined to make it as an entrepreneur who tapped Kansas City resources but wasn’t limited by geography, he said.  “[I said,] ‘If I can take the next 10 years of my life and just give everything to growing a company, then that’s it. I’m going…

Chiefs’ Super Bowl run ‘like Christmas’ (and Royals’ big win) all over again for KC apparel startups

The Chiefs heading to the Super Bowl isn’t just a good look for the team — it’s a win for small business owners as excited Kansas Citians buy local to keep the party going, said Mark Launiu. “I was really stoked for the city obviously, but I just texted my friends like, ‘Man, if you…

Clark Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs

Clark Hunt: Super Bowl-bound KC Chiefs didn’t get it right overnight; founders won’t either

If entrepreneurs want to win like the Kansas City Chiefs, they must be unafraid of pivoting, explained Clark Hunt.  “The National Football League is extremely competitive and it’s very difficult to win games consistently — even with a talented roster. But it is impossible to win if everyone is not aligned and working together to…

Thalia Cherry, Cherry; KC Legacy collection

Cherry designs Chiefs-inspired KC Legacy collection for one city, united in sports

A new Cherry sports apparel collection commemorates past Chiefs players with a focus on community impact and bridging a divided Kansas City through pride in the city teams, said Thalia Cherry.  “I think the excitement around the Chiefs will be here for years to come, and … I often share when I speak with groups…

Pipeline Innovators Daytime Showcase

Pipeline’s Jan. 23 showcase bridges larger-than-life gala, community-building personality

First impressions: Kansas City’s organic “all in this together” approach boosts the vibrancy of its startup community and thriving cultural scene, said Melissa Vincent. And one of Pipeline’s premier events should reflect that personality, she added. “I think that to be able to step in to Kansas City in this role with Pipeline where there…

Sprint Corporate Accelerator Program

Sprint VP: Corporate engagement helps drive KC startup ecosystem, next-generations of innovation

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Bryan Fries is vice president of 5G marketing strategy and global services for Sprint. From job creation and economic growth to the increase in competition and innovation, Kansas City-area startups and entrepreneurs play a vital role within the ecosystem of our community.  And…

Jeff Shackelford, Enterprise Center in Johnson County

Jeff Shackleford named ECJC’s top exec, aims to keep nonprofit’s impact on entrepreneurs in the billions 

A transition to new leadership at the Enterprise Center in Johnson County comes with a pledge to build upon the work of the nearly 25-year-old nonprofit, said Jeff Shackelford. “The ECJC will continue to play a vital role in being a focal point for local companies and entrepreneurs looking to raise capital to start and…