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
‘Right on plan’: Digital Health KC enters next growth phase, elevating Liz Shaffer to president
The first few years of Digital Health KC were about activating the ecosystem, said Liz Shaffer, noting the organization was propelled forward by its co-founder and longtime leader Dick Flanigan’s vision and strategy — pointedly growing the industry advocate to become a catalyst within the larger nexus of human and animal health.
Neat goes national: KU business alum takes his sweat-hiding T-shirt to ‘Shark Tank’ Nov. 4
It’s a neat pitch: shirts for men who sweat and would rather not show it: the job interview, the first date, the big presentation. Patented technology is built into the fabric so professionals look composed when it counts, Jim Huffman said, describing the product he’s sharing with TV’s highest-profile investors.
Royals drop six new renderings of Crown Center ballpark alongside ‘hometown design team’
An updated look at the Kansas City Royals’ vision for the baseball club’s future stadium and ballpark at Crown Center includes nods to the past — CrownVision, fountains, the Little K and other traditions that came to define the team’s beloved Kauffman Stadium — while also creating a future-ready experience, said Brooks Sherman.
Emerging KC startup Treso raises $3.75M to simplify complex healthcare transactions
Physician practices are expected to run complex businesses, said Ryan Greenhaw, but they’ve been left to piece their finances together on their own — often with tools that are too expensive or disconnected to justify the investment. A new platform backed by KCRise Fund could fill that gap.
Why nbkc bank is investing in an AI tech platform for its own routine mortgage business
Investing in San Francisco-based Vesta — along with adoption of its loan origination system tech platform — reflects nbkc’s longstanding strategy for using advanced technology to simplify banking and improve customer service, said Pat Schlimmer.
Ethical athletic apparel company moving global HQ to RS’ social impact hub on Troost
A major expansion for Kansas City-based Resto Athletic also marks a significant milestone for Reconciliation Services after the social impact-focused nonprofit’s $16 million campus redevelopment and the launch of its RS Impact Exchange in 2025, said Father Justin Mathews.
Tenfold Security among 25 finalists in Pepperdine’s ‘Most Fundable Companies’ competition
With more than 2,100 contenders in the mix, founders of a Kansas City-based cybersecurity company said making the top 25 in a national competition between investor-friendly businesses validates the scalability of homegrown, Midwest innovation.
Critical hire: Founder-turned-VC scout joins Technology Venture Studio as senior director
Kela Ivonye’s arrival at UMKC’s Technology Venture Studio couldn’t have come at a better time, said Maria Meyers, touting the award-winning startup founder’s lived experience as a tech leader, venture scout and ecosystem builder.
Pure Pitch Rally narrows cohort to five startups, focusing resources for spot-cash pitch event
A new format for one of Kansas City’s longest-running pitch competitions is expected to help winning startup founders earn a larger share of funding, greater resources and more individualized guidance from industry experts, said founder Karen Fenaroli, announcing five contenders selected for the 2026 Pure Pitch Rally.
Celebrated nonprofit leader moving from CEO to social impact role; here’s what’s behind the transition at Reconciliation Services
A year after being honored as one of the region’s top entrepreneurs for his work to bring transformational social change to Kansas City, Father Justin Mathews is departing his leadership role at Reconciliation Services, but the community advocate won’t be going far.