Latest Stories
Minneapolis angel investment firm expanding to KC, names McCoolidge managing partner
A former leader of the Mid-America Angels fund could be the secret to establishing Minneapolis-based Sofia Fund as a new investment resource for women-led companies within Kansas City, said Cathy Connett. “The Midwest continues to be a hub of startup activity,’ said Connett, Sofia Fund CEO. “Extending our footprint to Kansas City gives us access…
Pure Pitch Rally returning in October with spot-cash funding; applications open now
The land sharks are already hungry for Kansas City’s top tech talent, said Karen Fenaroli, announcing the planned return of the Pure Pitch Rally this fall. “Not only does Pure Pitch Rally provide startups with the opportunity to earn much-needed cash funding, it gives local entrepreneurs direct access to the resources and people in our…
Travois earns rare B-Corp status for longtime work to ‘fill the gaps’ caused by 200 years of broken promises to Indian Country
Obtaining one of the world’s top scores as a Certified B Corporation is just the beginning for Kansas City-cultivated Travois. “Part of why we are different is because [the product] we have and offer is really impactful,” Elizabeth Glynn, CEO, said in explanation of how Travois — a company that promotes housing and economic development…
EDCKC touts five years of economic development as president and CEO departs
When Bob Langenkamp was approached in 2014 about leading the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri, momentum was building for a city on the cusp of a World Series win, economic revitalization and revived civic pride. “It’s been a great run,” said Langenkamp, reflecting on his tenure as president and CEO of EDCKC. With…
Stenovate lands first big investor; founder credits ‘stepping stones’ of KC startup resources
Hold your head high, be eager, and embrace the startup community that surrounds you, Lauren Lawrence said as the first outside investor calls on her Kansas City-filed tech startup, Stenovate. “The first person to really take a risk on you as an outside investor who’s not your mom and dad … they’re always a significant…
KCultivator Q&A: Kevin McGinnis talks Keystone innovation, best steaks in KC, the word he hates most
Editor’s note: KCultivators is a lighthearted profile series to highlight people who are meaningfully enriching Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The KCultivator Series is sponsored by Plexpod, a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes. Years before his tenure as a Sprint executive-turned-startup leader, Kevin McGinnis was…
People’s Choice startup Bar K Dog Bar planning new locations across the Midwest (and beyond)
After less than a year serving Frisbees and drinks along Kansas City’s riverfront, Bar K Dog Bar has a treat for two other Midwest markets: plans to expand the premier pet experience space to St. Louis and Oklahoma City. “Our ultimate goal is to be in five markets in the next three years and 10…
US veterans-turned-founders find natural transition, freedom in life as entrepreneurs
Military service offers parallels to entrepreneurships — whether engaged in battle or a boardroom, said Andrew Belt. “One of the things that has always helped me in operating my business is my ability to analyze the environment and be vigilant,” said Belt, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and serial entrepreneur behind Lenexa-based property services firm…
Startup synergy: Native Hemp Co opening retail store in former downtown MADE flagship store
A grand adventure awaits Kansas City-baked Native Hemp Co., as the cannabis company reaches new heights and sets up shop with its first retail location. “I have a family all across the world now and it’s been so much fun,” Rich Dunfield, founder of Native Hemp Co., said of the company’s trajectory and success ahead…
iShare Medical working with VA, Medicare, Medicaid to improve patient outcomes, reduce cost of care
Medical errors shouldn’t be among the leading causes of death in a country as developed as the United States, said Linda Van Horn, especially when failure to communicate critical information across platforms is to blame. “It’s unacceptable to make mistakes, just because the information is not readily available to the provider, the doctor or the…
