Latest Stories
How Trump’s views on climate raise questions for Kansas’ biggest bet: a $4B Panasonic plant in De Soto
Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Kansas City PBS/Flatland, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, The Kansas City Beacon, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story. Headwinds don’t dampen enthusiasm of company executives, government officials The mammoth $4 billion…
Lula builds $28M round with bicoastal investor; plans deep expansion into new markets
Securing Lula’s Series A funding round is not only validation for the Kansas City proptech startup, Bo Lais said; the $28 million in capital means a greater opportunity to enhance the ecosystem for all of his company’s stakeholders, he added. The funding will allow Lula — a leading platform for streamlined property maintenance solutions and…
Invary’s $3.5M seed round gives startup homefield advantage to rewrite the rules of cybersecurity
A $3.5 million seed round backed by two high-profile Kansas City funds is expected to help Invary redefine runtime security, said Jason Rogers, CEO of the Lawrence-based cybersecurity startup — making new funding headlines from within the KU Innovation Park. Invary — a pioneer in Runtime Integrity solutions built on NSA-licensed technology — announced the round…
Closing KCK’s Black-owned coffee shop opens opportunity for Kinship to brew bigger, owner says
When TJ Roberts posted on social media about closing Kinship Cafe, a Black-owned coffee shop in Kansas City’s Strawberry Hill neighborhood, he was surprised by the outpouring of support — a morale boost that not only gives him the spirit to keep fighting for the business, but expand it, he said. “When we posted about…
Kansas brothers launch speedy trial for app that eases reentry for the wrongfully incarcerated
Podcast host-turned-innovator Dylan Carnahan is a man built for talking, he said, but there’s a time when words aren’t enough — when action is needed in the face of injustice. For Carnahan and his brother, that moment is now. “While media spreads awareness, software facilitates action,” said Carnahan, teasing the tech he’s developing alongside Alex…
Restaurant’s nostalgia is only part of it’s recipe: How Paul’s Drive In sizzled a community staple by ‘doing good first’
Editor’s note: The following story was written and first published by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC). Click here to read the original story. In the heart of South Kansas City, Paul’s Drive In on Blue Ridge Blvd has been a cherished staple since the 1960s. Through ups and downs — including…
Meet six coalitions earning grants through Kauffman Foundation’s new ‘Collective Impact’ funding pathway
Systemic change happens when communities come together to drive transformation through collaboration, said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, announcing a half-dozen grants to high-capacity organizations with strategies to close economic mobility gaps in the Kansas City region. The “Collective Impact” planning grants of up to $500,000 are awarded to the winning coalitions are the first piece of…
‘Mama Mystery’ podcast builds true crime following from serial entrepreneur’s St. Joe home studio
ST. JOSEPH, Missouri — Kelly Evans is no stranger to a good mystery. But the real puzzle, the mother of four said, is how she mastered multitasking her true crime podcast, multiple businesses, and a radio show — all while hooking her audience with gripping storytelling and a dash of humor to balance out the…
Grateful for this moment (again): Fantrepreneurs back in play as Super Bowl boosts small biz
A blitz of Super Bowl-bound Chiefs-inspired playoff sales feels like a winning two-point conversion after a holiday season touchdown for Kansas City makers; many of whom in recent years have seen their longtime fandom intertwined with their businesses’ bottom lines. “We are fans and also small business owners all wrapped into one,” said Morgan Georgie,…
KC team leaves its mark on Superdome; How your gameday Super Bowl view could be thanks to this Lenexa firm
A five-year, $560-million renovation at the Ceasars Superdome in New Orleans culminates Feb. 9 in a Super Bowl rematch featuring the hometown team of an engineering firm responsible for much of the work at the massive historic arena. Henderson Engineers, a Lenexa-based building systems design firm, recently completed a wide range of renovation projects within…
