Latest Stories
Backstitch wants to fix a billion-dollar communication dilemma
With the cost of poor business communication climbing as high as $37 billion a year, Backstitch founders Jordan and Stefanie Warzecha saw an opportunity to clear the air. The married couple — who say communication has never been a problem for them — founded their corporate communications platform in 2012. Backstitch aims to mitigate the…
Google Fiber names local duo as digital inclusion leaders
After a successful first year, Google Fiber — in partnership with the Nonprofit Technology Network — has announced its second round of Digital Inclusion Fellows. As part of the program, fellows will create and lead digital literacy efforts in the 11 metro areas with Google Fiber, including Kansas City. Initiatives include assisting adults with high…
Can downtowners ditch the Dodge? Zipcar expands in Kansas City
Downtown Kansas City residents have another compelling reason to become car-less converts. The on-demand car rental service Zipcar is expanding its area presence to Kansas City’s downtown, providing its growing population another flexible transportation option. The international car-sharing service is beefing up local offerings — which already includes two cars at Kansas City International Airport…
Plexpod Westport Commons exhumes obscured mural of Kansas City
For an update on this piece, click here. Amid the dust and drilling at the yet-to-be-open Plexpod Westport Commons is a little-known artistic gem for Kansas City. At the heart of a project that marries history and innovation, the colossal coworking facility that was formerly Westport Junior High features a vibrant — albeit deteriorating —…
GUILDit feeds starving artists with tools to monetize their crafts
If good entrepreneurs are money-motivated, great ones know that it’s going to take more than that to be successful. In contrast, artists oftentimes develop a “love-hate relationship” with money. As anyone who has seen a “starving artists” moving van can attest, an artist’s passion doesn’t always lead to food on the table. For artists whose…
Kansas City streetcar app update arrives with roaring ridership
Has the popularity of the Kansas City Royals found its match with the Kansas City streetcar? No — probably not. But if you live in or around the City of Fountains, you probably know that its new downtown streetcar is quite popular. Since opening day, the streetcar has carried a total more than 645,000 passengers…
Fund me, KC: Pawns and Pints launching board game bar in Crossroads
Startland News is continuing its segment to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs — like Pawns and Pints co-founder Edward Schmalz — to share their stories to gain a little help from their supporters. Back Pawns and Pints’ Kickstarter here. Who are you? My name is Edward…
Political tech vet to lead KCK innovation efforts
A political tech vet is leading new innovation efforts in Kansas City, Kan. The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas on Monday welcomed Alan Howze on board as their first chief knowledge officer to oversee the government’s IT Department, the 311 service center and mapping group. A former Virginia gubernatorial director and…
Events Preview: GUILDit, Second Fridays
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 GUILDit When: August 11 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Where: Uptown Arts Bar GUILDit is a gathering that helps craft…
A ‘Doodle’ in the rough: Ben Kittrell unearths a global business
What initially began as a desire to help his friends build websites has now blossomed into a startup with a booming international presence for Doodlekit co-founder Ben Kittrell. And it took gaining thousands of users a month to give Kittrell a wake-up call that it was time to refocus on a business he often let…
