Latest Stories

Digital Sandbox adds two startups to Independence program

Digital Sandbox KC announced Tuesday that it selected Drones4Hire and Hidden Abilities for its Independence, Missouri program. In addition to up to $20,000 in project development funds via Digital Sandbox, the program gives the startups access to workspace at WerksLab and business support via the Ennovation Center, a business incubator located in Independence. Drones4Hire’s platform…

UMKC and Rockhurst HS team up to add entrepreneurial thinking to curriculum

Although education innovation continues to grow in Kansas City, there is a visible gap between the “school world” and the “real world,” said Greg Owsley. “The school world and real world shouldn’t be separate entities — they should be connected,” said Owsley, STEAM director at Rockhurst High School. “It’s a very exciting time to be…

Made in KC co-owners Keith Bradley, Thomas McIntyre and Tyler Enders

Made in KC opening two new stores in heart of city

T-shirts are great, Tyler Enders said, but local makers have so much more to offer. Retailer Made in KC is rapidly expanding its footprint across the metro to help Kansas City-based vendors reach an even broader customer base, said Enders, Made in KC co-founder. The company — which carries in its stores everything from locally…

Made in KC

Video: Made in KC expands footprint, mission to cultivate creativity

Made in KC — which carries in its stores everything from locally made barbecue sauce and candles to coasters, prints and T-shirts — is opening new locations at 11th Street and Baltimore Avenue downtown, and at 509 E. 18th St. in the Crossroads. The downtown space is set to debut Dec. 1 with a few features…

RiskGenius Chris Cheatham

RiskGenius CEO named Entrepreneur of the Year at insurance symposium

Innovation in the insurance industry is lagging behind other sectors, but it’s quickly catching up,  Chris Cheatham said. “Billions of dollars are now being invested in insurtechs, or new insurance technology solutions,” said Cheatham, CEO and co-founder of RiskGenius. “I think will see a lot more machine learning used to plow through all of the…

KCSourceLink earns international economic development award

An area entrepreneur support organization was recognized on an international stage thanks to its research on the Kansas City metro. KCSourceLink’s annual We Create KC report won the Gold Excellence in Economic Development Award at the International Economic Development Council on Sept. 19. The report tracks metrics associated with the health of the Kansas City…

Events Preview: How to pitch to the Sandbox, KU Big Data workshop

There are a plethora of entrepreneurial events hosted in Kansas City on a weekly basis. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, supporter, or curious community member — we recommend these upcoming events for you. Are you hosting a relevant community event? Add it to the KCSourceLink Calendar for increased exposure. Email info@kcsourcelink.com for assistance. Bloch Ideation…

John Fein

Eyeing Midwest startups, Firebrand Ventures adds to advisory board

A Kansas City-based venture fund announced the addition of another distinguished advisory board member. Joining the team alongside Techstars CEO David Cohen, Kansas Citian Keith Harrington, who’s the managing director for Novel Growth Partners, and Brian McClendon, former Uber vice president of maps, Tom Ball is expected to bring his Austin-based investor experience to  Firebrand Ventures. …

Gerald Smith

KCultivator: Plexpod founder Gerald Smith on Internet trolls, anti-gravity machines, man crush

Editor’s note: KCultivators is a lighthearted profile series to highlight people who are meaningfully enriching Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Check out our features on innovation coach Diana Kander, Victor & Penny’s Erin McGrane, SEED Law’s Adrienne Haynes, Code Koalas’ Robert Manigold, Prep-KC CEO Susan Wally and community builder Donald Carter. Plexpod is more than a shared…

Heather Spalding and Joel Teply, co-founders of Cambrian

LaunchKC $100K winner Cambrian Tech taking simple idea to new reality

After winning LaunchKC’s grand prize — $100,000 — Cambrian Tech has its virtual eyes on another prize: total interior home transformation. “The goal is to open your phone, walk around and visualize any project you may consider doing,” co-founder Joel Teply said. “From walls, countertops, backsplashes, flooring, cabinetry, appliances, hardware and landscaping.” DIY tech presents…