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

Newly merged Cyderes boasts 63-percent growth rate, beating timeline, expectations

Editor’s note: Cyderes is a financial supporter of Startland News’ nonprofit newsroom. Merging two cybersecurity powerhouses was a monumental task unto itself, said Robert Herjavec, but the newly formed Cyderes has exceeded expectations and more than overcome the challenges associated with blending the strengths of Herjavec Group and Fishtech Group. “Not only is our merger…

Coworking space opens on former Sprint campus with former iWerx partner behind the (hot) desk

The sprawling Aspira campus in Overland Park is now home to a just-launched next-generation office workspace solution. Aspira NOW — a coworking space with a focus on tech connectivity — is the latest addition to the Occidental Management-owned development. “Aspiria NOW is a unique offering for entrepreneurs and businesses, providing them with a robust suite of…

With boost to $31M in funding, how will state agency power MO innovation? Check out its plan

Two months after Gov. Mike Parson and legislators bumped the Missouri Technology Corporation’s budget back into the double digits, the state-funded investment agency introduced its plan for implementing five new strategies designed to catalyze innovation and entrepreneurship in Missouri. Presented early this month at the Governor’s Conference on Economic Development, MTC released an execution roadmap…

These shoes are made for girls combat sports; now you can buy a pair down the street 

A Kansas woman’s mission to bring girls’ athletic gear to traditionally male sports scored a big win this week as Yes! Athletics announced its move from online-only sales to local store shelves. Furthering its reach beyond the Yes! Athletics website, the shoe brand can be purchased at three Jock’s Nitch Sports stores in Kansas —…

Pipeline opens application for 2023 fellowship, Pathfinder; boosts its own storytelling

Midwest entrepreneurs deserve the resources they need to scale into high-growth ventures, said Melissa Vincent, announcing the launch this week of applications for Pipeline’s latest fellowship and Pathfinder program for overlooked founders. Tapping into its network of more than 180 entrepreneurs who have generated over $2.2 billion in revenues, Pipeline’s support system ranges from intense…

2022 Kansas City’s VC-Backed Companies Report

The metro’s field of venture capital-backed companies is getting more crowded — their payrolls swelling with new employees — amid a bounce-back from the global pandemic and new signals of Kansas City’s momentum, according to data in a new report from Startland News. The 2022 Kansas City Venture Capital-Backed Companies Report provides an updated snapshot into…

Hy-Vee plans summit, pitch competition with $45K+ in investments for minority-, women-owned businesses

A Midwest supermarket chain announced this week a new event to help showcase its commitment to advancing minority- and women-owned companies at the home of the Kansas City Chiefs. The Hy-Vee OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit is set for Sept. 27 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, courtesy of the Chiefs, and is expected to feature…

KC Digital Drive awards $20K in digital literacy micro-grants; aims to boost digital inclusion

KC Digital Drive announced today its first cohort of micro-grant recipients for “KC Goes Tech,” a new program that helps community organizations teach digital skills, such as how to use email and stay safe online, and it connects participants to funding for home internet and a computer they can take home after completing 15 hours…

Gardner swag startup bags $150K from Minnesota-based accelerator for bootstrappers

PromoPulse, a Kansas software company that enables promotional product businesses to grow their sales and simplify marketing, announced today it raised $150,000 from the TinySeed accelerator program. The funding and TinySeed’s collaborative network will fuel PromoPulse’s mission to amplify the sales and marketing of businesses that sell swag — also known as the promotional products…

New C2FO-powered payment hub unlocks capital for diverse-owned businesses

Editor’s note: C2FO is a financial supporter of Startland News’ nonprofit newsroom. A just-launched strategic partnership between one of Kansas City’s largest startups and a Detroit-based minority-owned finance and diversity consulting firm aims to help more overlooked and under-capitalized businesses gain access to funds, the companies announced this week. The deal is expected to see…