Digital Sandbox KC
AI-generated bedtime stories are just the first chapter in JQ Sirls epic venture to make the publishing industry more inclusive
Every great children’s story deserves the opportunity to be published, JQ Sirls said, adding his own footnote that more people are qualified than they think to create them. “I could put 1,000 people in one room and tell them all to write a short story about their childhood. While many of them may have a…
‘Shark Tank’ sets stage for Bryght Labs’ new smart play product rollout amid MO funding uptick
Fresh off a successful appearance on “Shark Tank,” Olathe-based connected gaming startup Bryght Labs hopes to capitalize on that exposure to build momentum, said founder and CEO Jeff Wigh. Wigh and co-founder Adam Roush were featured on an episode that aired in December, pitching their product ChessUp, a patented chess board that uses AI technology…
Just funded: Digital Sandbox KC ‘fuels innovation’ for five emerging tech startups
Scaling past the proof-of-concept stage is key for young startups, so making them fundable by the time their product is built can mean the difference between success and stagnation, said Jill Meyer, announcing the latest round of companies backed by Digital Sandbox KC. The five startups receiving up to $20,000 each include ventures focused on…
Grief happens on (and off) company time: Why a startup founded from loss is building holistic bereavement plans for corporate America
When grieving employees return to work, managers and colleagues often aren’t equipped to properly support them, said Lisa Cooper. “While I was working in corporate America for quite some time, I had witnessed a lot of dysfunction surrounding grief,” said Cooper, co-founder of Workplace Healing alongside Mindy Corporon. For example, I can remember specifically when someone…
2023 Startups to Watch: AskSAMIE builds momentum as young caregiving startup defies aging issues
Editor’s note: Startland News selected 10 Kansas City scaling businesses to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch list. Now in its eighth year, this feature recognizes founders and startups that editors believe will make some of the biggest news in the coming 12 months. The following is one of 2023’s companies. Click here to…









