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

Tammie Wahaus, ELIAS Animal Health

KC startup’s bone cancer treatment for dogs earns ‘milestone’ USDA validation

A decade of hard work by a veteran entrepreneur and her Olathe-based team has cleared a significant hurdle on the pathway to licensure as its first-in-class adoptive cell therapy for dog cancer gains a critical nod of approval from federal regulators. ELIAS Animal Health, a leading companion animal cancer therapeutics company, recently announced that the…

Corral raises $1.38M to expand virtual fence solution’s US hoofprint; M25, Grit Road beef up deal

Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. LINCOLN, Nebraska — Agtech pioneered by a third-generation rancher-turned-startup founder has corralled an oversubscribed $1.38 million funding round with backing from a healthy herd of regional investors. Corral Technologies, a…

WeCode KC, CAPA selected for free services from this Top 10 KC small business winner

A company lauded among Kansas City’s top small businesses for three consecutive years this week announced the nonprofit recipients of $100,000 in pro-bono marketing services through a first-time expansion of its annual Crux for a Cause initiative. WeCode KC and Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA) will each receive marketing investments of $50,000 for 2024, said…

Startup launches workforce readiness game, scaling its Kansas-built talent crisis solution national

Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro.  WICHITA — A newly opened, nationwide digital game tournament aims to help students adopt the life skills needed to start careers wherever they live, said Robert Feeney, describing how his…

West Coast health tech company bringing dozens of jobs to new River Market headquarters in KC

A West Coast health tech startup’s relocation to Kansas City is expected to give the company direct access to key clients in the region — as well as creating 35 high-paying jobs, representing more than $3 million in annual payroll, regional officials announced Thursday. Orange County, California-based Hart, Inc. plans to transition its operations to new…

$100K in federal funds take stage at Kansas City theater forced to relocate because of COVID

Challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic continue to impact the arts, said Evie Craig, whose organization was forced to relocate because of an unexpected revenue drop caused by the global health crisis. A recently announced $100,000 in American Rescue Plan grant funding from the Entertainment Industry Grant Program administered by the State of Missouri Department of…

Startup founded to save local news acquires Modulist, expanding to obits, classifieds

A fast-growing public notice software platform with Kansas ties this week announced its acquisition of a North Dakota company built to serve publishers with paid celebrations, obituaries, and announcements. Column — founded by Jake Seaton, a fifth-generation member of the Manhattan, Kansas-based Seaton newspaper family — is expected to expand its own platform with the Modulist…

New KC STEM Alliance leader: All students have a place in Kansas City’s emerging Tech Hub

Growing Kansas City as a hub for STEM industries brings additional opportunities for connection and collaboration, the incoming leader of the KC STEM Alliance said, highlighting the role young people can play in the evolving innovation economy. “Kansas City and the surrounding region’s designation as a 2023 Tech Hub (KC BioHub) brings a real opportunity…

Purina prize earns KC startup a $25K treat in its bid to help foster pets of abuse survivors without safe homes

ST. LOUIS — As a finalist for Purina’s 2024 Pet Care Innovation Prize, Kansas City-built BestyBnB is expected to receive $25,000 and support from the pet care leader as the startup’s co-founders work to grow their business in a $136.8 billion industry. A $25,000 grand prize is on the line this spring. “At Purina, our…

Just funded: Meet nine innovative startups earning critical early funding from Digital Sandbox KC

Proof-of-concept funding from Digital Sandbox KC comes at a pivotal moment for Noonan Caddie, said Matt Williams, detailing plans to accelerate his startup’s technology with the program’s support. “This funding will be instrumental in transforming our MVP into a fully-fledged commercial product, accelerating our speed to market significantly,” said Williams, CEO and co-founder of Noonan,…