Startland News Staff
Sometimes we share credit. The “Staff Writer” byline appears on stories reported, written, or edited collaboratively by members of the Startland News team — especially for quick hits and breaking news.
Recent Stories by Startland News Staff
Redbud VC drops $25M Fund II in its attempt to ‘out-hustle the market’ for top talent, Midwest unicorns
A new $25 million fund for Columbia-based Redbud VC is expected to help identify and develop top-tier, pre-seed innovators before they head to the coasts to find more abundant capital, said Brett Calhoun. “There isn’t an underground hacker house pumping out unicorn founders,” said Calhoun, general partner at Redbud VC, in a blog post. “The…
Thai Orchid expansion blossoms; new restaurant coming to emerging foodie destination
It’s time to bring Thai Orchid’s homecooking, well … home, said second-generation owner Jonathan Rojjanasrirat, teasing the October opening of a new Shawnee location for his family-owned, street food-inspired restaurant in a thriving entertainment district. “We live in Shawnee. We’ve always loved the energy in the downtown area. With so many great spots, it’s become…
Great Jobs KC secures $680K federal grant to launch 100 women into nontraditional careers
A federal initiative designed to break down modern barriers in high-demand, high-wage industries also honors the historic legacy of women in the workforce, said Karolyn Dreiling, announcing a $680,000 grant to help Great Jobs KC boost apprenticeships. “This grant is a game-changer for women in our community who are ready to break into industries where…
KCMO launching ‘Full Tilt Film Festival’ to showcase intersection of sports, film, culture
Six weeks after World Cup visitors wave goodbye, Kansas City is set to welcome sports and entertainment industry executives, celebrities, professional athletes and fans for a new signature event celebrating the art and business of sports storytelling, Mayor Quinton Lucas announced Tuesday. The Full Tilt Film Festival — slated for Aug. 28-29 across various venues…
Missouri Startup Weekend back with $45,000 in prizes, $600,000 in potential investment
COLUMBIA, Mo. — A flagship event for the state’s startup ecosystem is returning April 17-19 in a bid to help build Missouri’s next billion-dollar company, said Willy Schlacks, noting it’s a proven launch pad for future unicorns. “We still talk about that original Startup Weekend all the time,” said Schlacks, president and co‑founder of EquipmentShare…
Bracket bash races to halfcourt, cutting pitch competitors down to 16 Kansas startups
The competition for $25,000 in startup capital is intensifying for more than a dozen Kansas entrepreneurs as a high-profile pitch event announced Wednesday that it had narrowed the field from 32 finalists to 16. Selected companies — half of which hail from the Kansas City region — advance to the next round of the 2026…
Kansas’ bracket-style pitch competition just revealed 32 startups vying for its $25K prize
An innovation-led startup tournament taking Kansas by storm is just built different, said Conor Adler, announcing the nearly three-dozen contenders featured in this spring’s competition. “One of the most inspiring facets of Gamechangers and Champions is seeing founders from rural Kansas standing alongside entrepreneurs from our largest cities,” said Adler, investment manager for Wichita-based NXTUS,…
Paris Brothers brewing new HQ, complete with Power & Light coffee labs, test kitchen
Relocating the corporate headquarters of an iconic Kansas City business — a brand inspired by a Sicilian family matriarch’s legacy and traditions — to downtown’s Power & Light District should be seen as a strategic investment in the food and beverage company’s future, said Joe Paris. Paris Brothers has finalized a new seven-year lease for…
Network Kansas-backed collaborators ignite new entrepreneur training in Douglas County
TOPEKA — A northeast Kansas entrepreneur training program aimed at exploring and validating new business ideas is expanding into Lawrence and Douglas County — deepening equitable opportunities and boosting regional resources, said Michael Odupitan. Organizers are widening access to the Ignite: New Venture Discovery program, through a new collaboration between the Shawnee Startups eCommunity — housed at…
Bracket-style startup pitch competition courts innovators, angels for March gameplay
WICHITA, Kan. — Applications are open for a statewide startup pitch competition set to return in March alongside the Big 12 men’s basketball tourney. The high-profile event connects emerging founders with angel investors and corporate innovators — and a $25,000 top prize. The Gamechangers & Champions 2026 “Bracket Bash” is planned for March 10 at the…