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
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…
KCMO launching ‘Full Tilt Film Festival’ to showcase intersection of sports, film, culture
Six weeks after World Cup visitors wave goodbye, Kansas City is set to welcome sports and entertainment industry executives, celebrities, professional athletes and fans for a new signature event celebrating the art and business of sports storytelling, Mayor Quinton Lucas announced Tuesday. The Full Tilt Film Festival — slated for Aug. 28-29 across various venues…
Missouri Startup Weekend back with $45,000 in prizes, $600,000 in potential investment
COLUMBIA, Mo. — A flagship event for the state’s startup ecosystem is returning April 17-19 in a bid to help build Missouri’s next billion-dollar company, said Willy Schlacks, noting it’s a proven launch pad for future unicorns. “We still talk about that original Startup Weekend all the time,” said Schlacks, president and co‑founder of EquipmentShare…
Bracket bash races to halfcourt, cutting pitch competitors down to 16 Kansas startups
The competition for $25,000 in startup capital is intensifying for more than a dozen Kansas entrepreneurs as a high-profile pitch event announced Wednesday that it had narrowed the field from 32 finalists to 16. Selected companies — half of which hail from the Kansas City region — advance to the next round of the 2026…
Kansas’ bracket-style pitch competition just revealed 32 startups vying for its $25K prize
An innovation-led startup tournament taking Kansas by storm is just built different, said Conor Adler, announcing the nearly three-dozen contenders featured in this spring’s competition. “One of the most inspiring facets of Gamechangers and Champions is seeing founders from rural Kansas standing alongside entrepreneurs from our largest cities,” said Adler, investment manager for Wichita-based NXTUS,…
Paris Brothers brewing new HQ, complete with Power & Light coffee labs, test kitchen
Relocating the corporate headquarters of an iconic Kansas City business — a brand inspired by a Sicilian family matriarch’s legacy and traditions — to downtown’s Power & Light District should be seen as a strategic investment in the food and beverage company’s future, said Joe Paris. Paris Brothers has finalized a new seven-year lease for…