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
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.
Just funded: Digital Sandbox KC awards $160K+ to eight emerging tech startups
Boosting innovators with up to $20,000 in proof-of-concept support can be the catalyst for a company surviving to see its next stage of growth, said Kayla Anderson, announcing eight newly funded startups that are joining the ranks of Digital Sandbox KC.
K-State names Garmin ‘company of the year’ for putting Kansas talent on innovation’s front lines
A leading source of top engineering talent is honoring Garmin for the global tech company’s commitment to a Kansas university-to-corporate workforce pipeline — fueling development of its GPS-enabled navigation, fitness, and outdoor wearable devices.
Crown Center stadium financing advances to city as Royals name builders for $3B ballpark district
A plan to fund infrastructure and other improvements tied to the proposed Kansas City Royals stadium at Crown Center is moving forward with financing that allows for up to $381.9 million in reimbursable project costs, plus financing costs.
Longtime workforce, philanthropy exec tapped to lead Great Jobs KC, ‘carry Mr. Kauffman’s vision’
A former Kauffman Foundation leader who helped design the KC Scholars program that ultimately would evolve into one of the region’s most successful workforce training initiatives is coming full circle — taking the helm as CEO of Great Jobs KC a decade after he helped launch its predecessor.
KC coffee company’s refresh comes as next generation of family owners brew strength at new downtown HQ
New headquarters for one of Kansas City’s premier coffee operations came with more than a change of address when it relocated to the Power & Light District this spring; the family-run company has a new name as it pours more energy into brewing wholesale business with national chains. Paris Brothers — the long-running specialty food…
Million-dollar prize: Meet 10 KC companies vying for Startup World Cup, attention of global investors
KCSourceLink on Wednesday revealed the 10 companies advancing to the Startup World Cup’s Kansas City regional tournament, where selected entrepreneurs will compete for a shot at the global pitch event’s $1 million investment prize.