Latest Stories
Startland gets personal with Davyeon Ross, John Fein and Greg Kratofil
Startland News exists to share the stories of innovation that happen every day in Kansas City. But while we try our best to give you updates as they come, it is rare that all the details of the news we produce are included in the stories we publish. That’s why editor-in-chief Bobby Burch led Startland…
How the Mighty Handle evolved from an idea to a hit product
Startland News and the Kansas City Star have partnered to publish content as part of the Star’s new special section, “Spirit.” This story will appear in the Star’s Oct. 23 Sunday edition. Not all innovation is high tech. And while the development of any particular technology is distinct, there remain consistent principles of how to…
The Sprint Accelerator returns in 2017 with new approach
In less that 24 hours, Kansas City has learned that it will have a new pair of major accelerator programs in 2017. The Sprint Accelerator announced Thursday morning that, while it’s retained its name, the program has undergone a significant evolution that hopes to foster meaningful partnerships between startups and Kansas City corporations. Among a…
Techstars to launch new accelerator program in Kansas City
Accelerator guru group Techstars announced Wednesday that it’s launching a new program in Kansas City after leading the Sprint Accelerator for three years with Sprint. Lesa Mitchell, a former vice president of innovation and networks for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, will serve as the managing director of the Kansas City accelerator. “We’re excited to…
Kauffman Fellows hosting hundreds of global VCs in Kansas City homecoming
More than 200 investors and entrepreneurs from around the globe will soon converge in Kansas City as part of one of the most highly-esteemed venture capital organizations in the world. Now in its 21st year, the Kauffman Fellows program will reunite top-tier investors that hail from five continents for a reunion summit on Oct. 24…
KCRise Fund makes first area investments in SpiderOak, Innara Health
Only a few weeks after closing on its first $10 million, the KCRise Fund announced Wednesday that it has invested in its first Kansas City-area companies. Launched in February in conjunction with the KC Rising economic initiative, the KCRise Fund is joining ongoing investment rounds in SpiderOak and Innara Health. The fund, led by Darcy…
Magic Johnson, David Stern headline $5M round in ShotTracker
A sojourn to the City of Angels has taken on magical meaning for ShotTracker. The Merriam-based firm announced Wednesday that basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson and former NBA Commissioner David Stern are among a group of investors that have injected $5 million into its coffers. The duo of high-profile investors will help accelerate the wearable…
Successful VideoFizz campaign supports breast cancer awareness, research
One Kansas City startup is recognizing breast cancer awareness month through a promotion to support the American Breast Cancer Foundation. This October, VideoFizz is encouraging users to create a video on their platform to let someone special know you are “pinking” of them, raising awareness and support for the foundation. Whether it’s celebrating survival, uplifting…
Events Preview: Sports Hack for Social Change
There are a boatload of entrepreneurial events hosted in Kansas City on a weekly basis. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, supporter, or curious Kansas Citian, we recommend these upcoming events for you. WEEKLY EVENT PREVIEW Kansas City Women in Technology October TechTalk When: October 19 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Where: SoPro Gaming We…
Array of pro sports teams kickoff youth benefit initiative in KC
Kansas City is serving as a hub for a national sports initiative that will host a handful of professional teams hoping to help young people around the U.S. Kicking off Friday, Play for Tomorrow — the brainchild of Kauffman Fellow Pankaj Sood — will feature seven professional sports teams from North America, including the Kansas…
