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
EquipmentShare launches new flagship store with $21M investment in Grain Valley
A Missouri unicorn is building impact even closer to Kansas City, opening its new 49,000-square-foot Midwest hub for construction and industrial work in eastern Jackson County. The project reflects an investment of more than $21 million by Columbia, Missouri-based EquipmentShare, said Jabbok Schlacks, CEO and co-founder, describing the property costs, value of equipment and salaries…
KC GIFT’s $100K grant — its largest-ever — aims to help boost Black-owned job creator
A newly opened $100,000 grant represents a significant step in Kansas City GIFT’s mission to close the racial wealth gap — investing in Black-owned businesses that have the potential to become significant employers and economic drivers in their communities, said Brandon Calloway. “We exist to right the wrongs of the past and create the economic…
Boulevard launches BBQ beer to help new museum tell Kansas City’s smoky story
It’s a beer that could only happen in Kansas City, said Greg Garrity, teasing Boulevard Brewing Co.’s just-announced bourbon barrel-aged Belgian-style quad — a brew infused with smoked malt and a blend of bold, barbecue-inspired ingredients. Crafted in collaboration with the recently opened Museum of BBQ at Crown Center, the MO’ BBQ release is the…
Olathe opening: Popular chicken chain flies deeper into JoCo; its first franchisee isn’t just winging it
Joe Finch got his start in the food industry bussing tables. This weekend, he’ll open his own restaurant in Olathe — capitalizing on the popularity of spinout success WingStand by opening the brand’s first franchise location. WingStand Olathe is set to debut Saturday at 119 South Mur-Len Road, offering an order of free wings to…
PMI Rate Pro exits: KC fintech calls acquisition the ‘natural next step’ for its mortgage tech solution
MIAMI — A strategic acquisition between a software leader and a Kansas City fintech startup brings together two innovators in mortgage tech to deliver the industry’s most comprehensive platform, said Nomi Smith, co-founder of PMI Rate Pro. LoanPASS on Thursday announced its purchase of PMI Rate Pro, an Overland Park-based fintech specializing in API-driven private…
Four role models selected for Hall of Fame as Junior Achievement celebrates 25 years of business honors
A fresh round of Hall of Fame laureates celebrates Kansas City’s living legacy of visionary leaders who drive business excellence, innovation and community impact, said Megan Sturges, announcing a range of honorees from tech to tender chicken. “The JA Business Hall of Fame celebrates more than business success — it honors the spirit of leadership…
InvestMidwest returns to St. Louis May 6-7 for Midwest venture capital forum’s 25th year
ST. LOUIS — About 50 startups — including some of Kansas City’s most high-profile emerging companies — are expected to pitch to more than 100 investors May 6-7 when the InvestMidwest conference turns St. Louis into the gateway to innovation. “On the 25th anniversary of InvestMidwest, it’s great to be back in St. Louis where it…
Tech veterans launch startup studio to back next-wave SaaS products with founder-led thinking
Backed by years of entrepreneurial wins, the team behind Full Scale and the exited Stackify just announced a new product studio and startup lab concept — purpose-built for what founder Matt Watson called the post-playbook SaaS era. “Founders today are facing a new set of realities,” said Watson, serial entrepreneur, podcast host, and co-founder of…
Fortune 500 company says it’s bringing 2,000 jobs paying $100K to OP’s former Sprint campus
No better proof that ‘Kansas City has the capacity and competitiveness to meet this moment’ A globe-spanning fintech leader’s plan to create a new strategic hub in Overland Park is expected to include a $4 billion payroll investment in the Kansas City region over the next decade, the company said this week. Milwaukee-based Fiserv officially…
Why executing even the greatest startup idea first requires sales (and beyond-superficial curiosity)
That sexy pitch alone might not get your startup its first customer, said Lee Walter, noting that lasting success relies heavily on jumping outside the vaunted “ideation” phase to truly question a venture’s value. Walter’s revelation — born from a sales career that stretched from selling school lockers and coffee beans to commercial espresso machines…