NXTSTAGE
KC startups among business builders tapped for cohort connecting Midwest founders to enterprise leaders
More than 80 companies from across the region vying to earn a slot in the latest NXTSTAGE Enterprise Engagement Series, said Amber Dunn, with three Kansas City startups among the 16 successfully completing the competitive process.
NXTUS launches alumni collective to keep founders connected to resources after programs end
The journey doesn’t end with an end-of-cohort pitch showcase, NXTUS leaders said this week, debuting a new network for alumni of its portfolio of Wichita-based entrepreneur growth programs.
She’s flipping the priorities on homebuilding; this founder wants buyer stress out of the blueprints
“It’s one of the biggest emotional, financial investments you’re going to make in your life,” the founder of Olathe-based buildNest explained, tapping into her own homebuilding experience.
Hack in traction: Startups learn hustle shortcode for winning customers, narrow focus
Drilling into the customer profile for his startup — an AI-powered, curated swag marketplace aimed at early stage tech companies — Ivan Hadzhiev used tailored resources from Wichita-based NXTUS to validate a complaint keeping prospective partners from buying in. In short, a lot of options — even for custom, branded merchandise — isn’t necessarily a…
NXTUS is helping five emerging KC innovators gain customer traction; ‘Timing is right,’ startup founders say
A handful of Kansas City startups were among 22 early stage companies gathered in Wichita this week for the opening session of a program aimed at growing strong, sustainable businesses that uplift innovation and opportunity throughout the Heartland. The 2026 NXTSTAGE Customer Traction Cohort program on Wednesday welcomed founders from buildNest and Pitchster, Olathe, Kansas;…
