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
MTC hits $50M investment milestone through its state-sponsored venture capital program
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri — A Show-Me State program launched a decade ago to drive economic development in Missouri and support tech founders has surpassed $50 million in equity-based investments for nearly 160 Missouri-based technology startups. The Missouri Technology Corporation announced the milestone Tuesday, lauding its Innovation, Development, and Entrepreneurial Advancement (IDEA) Fund for impact that…
Meet LaunchKC’s latest crew of social changemakers; cohort excited for connectivity
Seven Kansas City social ventures are expected to get a boost from LaunchKC’s latest cohort — with entrepreneurs already eager for the human support and resources offered by the popular venture studio program. “I’ve had an opportunity to interact with some of the previous participants and mentors, so I know the value of an organization like…
Transportant’s newest partnership gets KC startup’s smart dashboard onto more school buses
Buses equipped with advanced technology from Transportant are expected to enhance safety for students and drivers — as well as peace of mind for parents and school administrators — thanks to a new multistate partnership. RWC Group, a commercial truck and bus dealership that serves five states, on Wednesday announced a new collaboration with Lenexa-based Transportant…
Meet the winners of KC’s first grants for micro-businesses; $55K awarded to women of color
A newly launched collaboration between entrepreneur support efforts announced Thursday its first batch of grant winners — positioning four Kansas City micro-businesses for greater success amid a near-universally challenging start for the year. “The first quarter of the year is hard for most businesses, and extremely hard for small businesses. This year was no different…
Startup Weekend winners could have a billion-dollar solution for struggling taxpayers
Organizers of Missouri Startup Weekend predicted this year’s winner could be poised to be the competition’s next billion-dollar alumni. Solvtax presented the weekend’s winning pitch: a solution for avoiding financial implications through better business and personal property tax management. The idea struck a chord with entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs in both the audience and judge’s…
KU spinout earns $180K+ in prizes at business plan competition; students going full-time with startup
LAWRENCE, Kansas — A sustainable engineering startup that emerged from the University of Kansas took fifth place in a recent business competition at Rice University in Houston, earning more than $180,000 in prizes and an opportunity to make history for the founders’ alma mater. Icorium Engineering, the first-ever team from Kansas to compete in the…
Theme park developer plans year-round getaway alongside Barbie’s lakeside beach house in KCK
Barbie’s Beach House is just the beginning. The developer behind a planned a new theme park centered around Mattel toys this week released more about its vision for Destination KCK, a year-round entertainment destination coming to Bonner Springs, Kansas, in Wyandotte County. “The development will bring a whole new set of adventures just west of…
She refused to back down; how this gamechanger earned a spot on the field with the KC Current
As a history-making season rolls on for the Kansas City Current, a recent match proved the perfect opportunity to honor the founder and CEO of WeCode KC, said Christina Lively, detailing Tammy Buckner’s selection as the first “Gamechanger” award winner. “Tammy’s story is the perfect example of pursuing your dream and refusing to back down…
KC’s year-old terminal just won four ‘Best Of’ industry awards; these businesses helped land the honors
The retail and restaurant mix featured within the new terminal at Kansas City International Airport is being lauded by industry insiders who hail the experience curated by Vantage Airport Group as one of the best of its kind in North America. In the terminal’s first year of operation, its offerings earned four honors at AXN’s…
KU Innovation Park hires former Tech Venture Studio leader to support its entrepreneurs
LAWRENCE, Kansas — An entrepreneurial support expert who made his entry into the Kansas City startup ecosystem through the UMKC Innovation Center, Chris Rehkamp is now building founder relationships at a business incubator in Kansas. KU Innovation Park today announced Rehkamp’s new role as director of business services at the nonprofit economic development organization’s sprawling…