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

Members of the Engenious Team: Nathan Asinger, Nick Fowler, Chris Justice, Trevor Lytle, Brendan McGeehan, and Tyler Kodanaz

Two Kansas companies engineer tool to vaporize hard-to-reach tumors with microwave tech

A Prairie Village product design firm is helping a nearby Kansas startup advance groundbreaking medical technology to treat previously-inoperable cancer tumors with minimally-invasive surgery. “Most of us have been affected by cancer through family, friends or our own experience, and we are delighted to help Precision Microwave create better tools to fight cancer,” said Chris…

Marissa Gencarelli, Yoli Tortilleria

Westside tortilleria’s from-scratch corn creations earn prestigious James Beard nod

A husband-and-wife tortilla-making duo in Kansas City’s Westside neighborhood are among semifinalists for one of the world’s most-prestigious accolades for restaurants and chefs: a James Beard Award. Marissa and Mark Gencarelli, co-founders of Yoli Tortilleria, were announced Wednesday as semifinalists for the James Beard “Outstanding Baker” honor. Twenty restaurants from across the country are now…

Amos King, Binary Noggin

Binary Noggin triples headcount, relocates to North Kansas City office in latest growth spurt

Binary Noggin is tripling its growth efforts with added headcount, an office relocation and a new consulting service line for clients, the surging software developer said Tuesday. “We’re extremely excited to be able to deepen the expertise within our services — and to increase value offerings for our clients,” said Amos King, CEO and founder…

TJ Roberts, Kinship Cafe

Chamber’s new ‘Superstars’ roster brings exposure to 2,000+ KC small businesses 

Editor’s note: The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is a non-financial partner of Startland News, which serves as the media partner for the Small Business Superstars program. An excited TJ Roberts took a quick break from shoveling snow Friday in the parking lot of his Kansas City, Kansas, coffee shop to post his elation…

Neelima Parasker, SnapIT Solutions

SnapIT scores lucrative government contract with $50B ceiling in emerging tech space

An Overland Park IT firm’s selection to deliver technology solutions to federal agencies is the latest evolution of the Johnson County business, which has seen rapid growth over the past three years as it expanded its focus. SnapIT Solutions, a high-tech services and tech training firm headquartered in Johnson County, was tapped for the second…

The Field of Legends Puzzle Set, pictured at the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum

New bobblehead set replicates one of KC’s most iconic museum experiences for Black History Month

A new collection of bobbleheads is calling attention to the impact made by legends of the Negro Leagues — and offering fans and local enthusiasts the opportunity to recreate a Kansas City historical attraction at home. “These are the first bobbleheads to replicate the iconic Field of Legends,” explained Phil Sklar, co-founder and CEO of the…

AltCap team at the 2021 AltCap Your Biz competition during GEW KC

Kauffman grants $5.3M to AltCap to help those overlooked by lenders access capital

Editor’s note: The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a financial supporter of Startland News. A significant new grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is expected to help AltCap support the capitalization and administration of a fund that increases access to capital for entrepreneurs in distressed areas of Kansas City and for those whose credit applications…

Stephen Hardy, mySidewalk

mySidewalk CEO: Partnership with National League of Cities will ‘unlock’ hidden data for thousands of communities

A veteran Kansas City tech startup has partnered with the National League of Cities to help its members “bring actionable data to every community,” mySidewalk’s CEO announced this week. “Together, we will provide data to unlock funding, guide investments, and improve neighborhoods,” said Stephen Hardy, leader of the KC-based govtech company, describing NLC as “the…

Wichita support org for startups lands nearly $1M in funding — including $300K in Kauffman backing

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. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. New…

Joni Cobb, Center for American Entrepreneurship

DC-based lobbying group for entrepreneurs names former Pipeline leader as new leader

A fresh face joining the helm of a leading lobbying organization for entrepreneurs is expected to bring Midwest perspective and representation to the fight to create more jobs through the innovation economy. Joni Cobb, the founding president and CEO of Pipeline Entrepreneurs — a Kansas City, Kansas-based network of startup founders now led by executive…