Ryan Henrich

Matt Baysinger and Ryan Henrich, co-founders of Swell Spark, on an April biking trip in Utah

Why Swell Spark founders needed a business breakup to keep the startup (and their friendship) moving forward

Matt Baysinger and Ryan Henrich pedalled 100 miles over Utah’s rocky terrain as a milestone marker in the duo’s relationship — exiting a business partnership and riding ahead on a tight, decades-long friendship, Baysinger shared.  “You hear time and time again that you shouldn’t go into business with your friends,” said Baysinger, who in October…

Breakout KC escapes into virtual gaming with Zoom-based ‘Runaway Railcar’ experience

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Five years into its journey, Swell Spark has become a perpetual startup…

Blade & Timber team

‘Waiting on the world to reopen’: Blade & Timber now distributing J. Rieger’s must-have hand sanitizer 

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Two lines of cars, at times numbering in the dozens,…

Blade & Timber, Lawrence

Mass Street fire leaves future uncertain for Blade & Timber’s Lawrence store

An early morning fire at Blade & Timber’s Massachusetts Street location in Lawrence has left the premier axe-throwing startup waiting for answers, said Matt Baysinger. “While it’s a surreal experience to learn that your business is on fire and that there’s nothing you can do about it, I’m incredibly grateful that nobody was in the…

Blade & Timber, Power & Light

LOOK INSIDE: Blade & Timber raises the bar (and kitchen) with Power & Light axe throwing

When Blade & Timber officially opens this weekend at Power & Light, the two-year-old startup concept will set a new standard for the growing experiences industry, said Jessie Poole. “We want to show people ‘This is what you should expect from an axe-throwing experience,’” said Poole, communication director for Blade & Timber. “We’ve been upping…