Storytailor

Still in the game: 16 startups advance in Kansas pitch tournament; courting a new style of seed funding

By Tommy Felts | March 17, 2025

WICHITA — And then there were 16. Monday’s pitch competition announcement served up sweet news for more than a dozen Kansas startups as local founders learned they’re advancing in the Gamechangers & Champions “Bracket Bash for Innovators and Angels” — a tournament-style event set to end with a $20,000 grand prize. The just-released list of…

Roster filled: 32 Kansas startups march into Round 2 of tourney-style pitch competition

By Tommy Felts | March 12, 2025

WICHITA — Nearly three dozen Sunflower State startups are vying for $20,000 in prize money — and courting the attention of investors — as they advance to the second round of an innovative, state-backed pitch competition set amid the excitement of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. NXTUS on Tuesday announced the initial 32 companies advancing…

The game is rigged; the goalposts move (and we still have to pretend it’s fair)

By JQ Sirls | February 24, 2025

Editor’s note: The perspectives expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. JQ Sirls is an author and illustrator, as well as co-founder and CEO of Storytailor — an AI-infused storytelling platform that turns children’s emotions and challenges into adventures filled with imagination and wonder. His company was named one of Startland News’ Kansas City…

Just funded: LaunchKC unveils 7 newest grant winners, topping $385K in startup capital

By Taylor Wilmore | November 20, 2024

LaunchKC’s big reveal Tuesday was about more than checking a box — or getting hands on oversized checks — with grant competition winners taking the stage to introduce their companies to an eager community of supporters, entrepreneurs and investors.  “This event is incredible,” said Donnie Hampton, co-founder of Roz, one of seven startups honored Tuesday…