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
High-profile Digital Sandbox KC funding program gets new leader: a veteran Austin tech founder
Kansas City already has all the ingredients a startup needs to grow, said Jeff Zhao, expressing excitement about combining his expertise in technology commercialization with existing local resources.
Just funded: Meet 6 new Sandbox startups poised to impact digital health, AI innovation
A fresh round of novel technology concepts — ranging from deterring AI-powered surveillance to supporting families raising autistic children — are among the latest to earn proof-of-concept backing from Digital Sandbox KC.
KC’s new ‘mini con’ experience set to showcase local comic book creators, family-friendly cosplay
A community-powered pop-up comic book convention is expected to put local artists on the front and center, said Brandon Calloway, illustrating the need for a smaller, more accessible comic con experience in Kansas City. Heartland Mini Con — set for May 30 at Equal Minded Cafe, 4327 Troost Ave. — is designed to be welcoming…
AI to World Cup (with hunger in between): Here’s how C3KC hopes to spark conversation
The sold-out C3KC conference — a one-day community meetup returning Tuesday to Union Station — is putting the spotlight on relevant, cutting-edge Kansas City concerns, with its brightest focus on social innovation, organizers said.
World Cup showcase: Small biz marketplace planned for high-traffic Union Station hub during games
A five-week activation at Kansas City’s Union Station is expected to give World Cup visitors and locals a taste of the region’s small business community — gathering a mix of retail, service-based concepts, and experiences not far from the official FIFA Fan Festival.
Esports collaboration with Ottawa University connects student talent to pro teams
A new partnership between the Kansas City Pioneers and Ottawa University is aiming to strengthen the Midwest’s esports ecosystem — and create a clearer path from college competition to the professional stage.
Wolf21 touts role of women leaders in shaping the KC firm’s next phase of growth
The Kansas City construction firm behind a string of high-profile entertainment and office projects is designing a team where women aren’t confined to symbolic roles within a male-dominated industry, said Kelly Pfannenstiel, emphasizing the need for experienced women in architecture, engineering, and construction to shape strategy and operational foundation.
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…