JQ Sirls

NMotion invests $100K in AI storytelling startup’s next chapter; KC founder flexes momentum 

A $100,000 investment by a leading regional accelerator is expected to expand the capabilities and reach of a Kansas City AI storytelling startup — establishing Overland Park-based Storytailor as a well-known brand for children worldwide, founder JQ Sirls said.  The NMotion Accelerator on Wednesday announced six new companies selected for its cohort, which is powered…

Pipeline’s new cohorts show ‘power of diversity’; here’s who’s joining the elite entrepreneur network

Pipeline’s roster of high-growth Midwest entrepreneurs swelled Thursday as the premier fellowship network officially announced more than two dozen founders joining its 2024 Fellowship and Pathfinder Program. “The selected Fellows and Pathfinders represent the power and impact of diverse companies, leaders and regions being represented in a cohort,” said Vincent, executive director of Pipeline Entrepreneurs….

2024 Startups to Watch: Storytailor captivates global audiences with personalized, ‘diversity by default’ storytelling

Editor’s note: Startland News editors selected 10 Kansas City scaling businesses to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch list. Now in its ninth year, this feature recognizes founders and startups that editors believe will make some of the biggest, most compelling news in the coming 12 months. The following is one of 2024’s companies….

JQ Sirls is the king of his own universe; his new book puts a distinctly Black hero at the center of it

JQ Sirls started popping through the multiverse as a child; escaping through various worlds and alternate realities via stories like “Where the Wild Things Are,” “Peter Pan,” and “The Wizard of Oz” — as well as magical realms he created himself. “Those are my DNA,” said Sirls, a Kansas City-based author, artist and the entrepreneur behind…

Startup’s next chapter writes itself: AI-generated bedtime story platform launches with language-building upgrades

With an emphasis on diversity and creativity, JQ Sirls’ AI-powered story generator is set to redefine children’s literature while uniting generations, he said.  “I’m really trying to create these magical bonding moments between adults and children. When adults use this technology to create their own story, it makes them feel like a kid again. Then…