Latest Stories

Frank Norton; Photo by Chase Castor

Common threads: Designer draws on solidarity with restaurant scene for ‘KC Runs on Hospitality’

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. Even in an unpredictable world struck by COVID-19, imperfections often can strike…

Drink it in: Nine agtech, dairy startups bring innovation, sustainability to 2020 DFA Accelerator

An all-natural sports drink made from dairy by-products; handheld pizza and Philly cheesesteak cones; a green fashion brand that’s creating T-shirts from excess milk; and a hand-crafted spirit made from whey — innovative tastes of an American industry known for its most classic component: milk. Nine startups — hailing from across the nation and globe…

Breakout KC escapes into virtual gaming with Zoom-based ‘Runaway Railcar’ experience

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. Five years into its journey, Swell Spark has become a perpetual startup…

COVID-19’s cost to Silicon Valley could be Kansas City’s talent gain, startup leader predicts

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. Economic disruptions in Silicon Valley and other major startup hubs could mean…

Erin Bopp, Lightwork DJ Mobilverse

16 winners: Micro-grant competition debuts with $30K in prizes to entrepreneurs who ‘need funds the most’

Not all early-stage entrepreneurs and small businesses qualify for federal disaster loans, prompting an even greater need for programs like the new Dare to Venture Micro-Grant Competition, according to the Urban Business Growth Initiative. “At a critical time when small businesses need funds the most, the program offered a total of $30,000 in micro-grants to…

Lauren Lawrence, Stenovate

Just-launched Stenovate: COVID-19 will give court reporters, stenographers work for years to come 

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. What the mid-pandemic launch of Stenovate lacks in revelry, it makes up…

John Styers, Transportant

Wichita VC backs two KC startups: ‘Great companies can be built in crazy economic times’

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. Despite a global pandemic, Wichita-based Accelerate Venture Partners closed nearly as many…

OYO Nova Gym

This KC-created handheld home gym just became the highest-funded fitness product ever on Kickstarter

The OYO Nova Gym passed a massive crowdfunding milestone Saturday morning — raising $1.6 million in pre-sales for the Kansas City company and becoming the most-funded fitness product in Kickstarter history. And OYO’s campaign still has a month to go. “The OYO team has worked hard to develop fitness devices that fit in anyone’s lifestyle,”…

Jan Knobel, Upper Crust Pie Bakery

Upper Crust bakery’s recipe for reopening: Embrace a sweet new piece of the retail pie

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. Behind a rustic “closed” sign, empty display cases and a lonely pie…

Made in KC, KCPPE.com

KCMO mayor, Made in KC launch portal for face masks, hand sanitizer made by more than 50 local makers

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 gradual return to business doesn’t mean the need for face…