Latest Stories

mySidewalk partners with the White House on its open data initiative

Editor’s note: In response to readers’ desire for quick-hitting stories, Startland News is launching a new segment, “News Flash,” to enable more coverage. Let us know what you think!   Kansas City tech firm mySidewalk is working with the White House. The firm on Friday announced its participation in The Opportunity Project, an initiative that…

Chris Brown: Non-compete alternatives KC business leaders should consider

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. This article is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Readers with legal questions should consult an attorney. In addition to reducing risk and protecting employers, non-compete agreements can have community-wide benefits. But recent research by organizations including the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation…

Is your logo too safe? KU researcher explores the psychology behind your branding

Your logo may not be communicating what you want, which could hurt your business, according to new research.   In her recent research on logo design, University of Kansas marketing scholar Noelle Nelson found that the disconnection between what founders hope to convey with a logo and how a person perceives it may discourage a…

Batch of startup funding news kicks off Kansas City’s autumn

In response to readers’ desire for quick-hitting stories, Startland News is launching a new segment, “News Flash,” to enable more coverage. Let us know what you think! Fall in Kansas City is off to a solid start for area startups. Several firms in the metro area have recently raised capital that they hope will accelerate…

Medical device startup Forest Devices finds local fit with stroke detection tech

Editor’s note: This content is sponsored by LaunchKC but independently produced by Startland News.   Everyone who goes into medicine is motivated, in part, by their desire to reduce pain and suffering. That desire is what pushed Matt Kesinger to go to medical school. In 2009, Kesinger worked as an emergency medical technician in Boston….

Events Preview: Find Your Focus to Growing Your Business

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’d recommend these upcoming events for you. WEEKLY EVENT PREVIEW Social Media Club Kansas City: October Breakfast When: October 7 @ 7:30 am – 9:00 am Where: Grand Street Cafe…

‘Hustle’ and a heart: Beth Engel on the ethos of Dundee Venture Capital’s new fund

In a red, grid-lined journal, Beth Engel outlines a note in large block letters. With each stroke of her pen, “HUSTLE” grows bolder. As though to protect the musing, the venture capitalist of three years adds a box around the reminder before once again tracing over the word. Engel continues to sketch as she eloquently…

Timely funding opportunities for Kansas City startups

Despite Kansas City’s recognition as a tech hub, its variety of incubator programs and array of successful startup ventures, the metro’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is still trying to fill the money gap. How can the community ensure that entrepreneurs have access the capital they need? Well, as KCSourceLink knows well, appropriate funding resources vary widely depending…

Mobility Designed tackles a demand unaddressed since the Civil War

Editor’s note: This content is sponsored by LaunchKC but independently produced by Startland News.   Some technologies are slow to innovate. And crutches — which haven’t changed much since the U.S. Civil War — are a prime example. “They’ve pretty much been the same for decades,” said Liliana Younger, CEO of Mobility Designed. “Although there…

Crema co-founder Dan Linhart: Effective company culture is more than just beer on tap

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in the commentary are the author’s alone.  Collaborating with a team is the most rewarding aspect of my work. There is just something awesome about doing great work with individuals that are diverse in skill and perspective and are aligned with the purpose behind the endeavor. Getting to that point,…