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
One of KC’s top small businesses markets explosive growth into new key investor: former Mobank CEO
On the heels of Crux KC doubling its square footage in January and growing its headcount 118 percent since June 2020, the marketing firm — one of the KC Chamber’s Top 10 Small Businesses — announced a significant investment this week by Grant Burcham, former Mobank CEO. “I’ve long valued Grant’s business acumen and insight as…
Ford opens door to July 29 pitch competition, $50K in prizes for women entrepreneurs
The Ford Motor Company Fund is bringing a new pitch competition — and $50,000 in prizes — to Kansas City this summer as part of its effort to boost women social entrepreneurs. Announced during the final moments of last week’s HI-HERImpact virtual entrepreneurship summit for Kansas City, the planned July 29 competition is part of a national…
$500K investment round feeds GiftAMeal’s hunger for expansion deeper into KC market
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. A…
OpenCities sells: Denver govtech company acquires Australian startup with Kansas City HQ
An Australia-based govtech startup with a sizable Kansas City operation has sold. OpenCities — a hub-like platform that digitizes city forms and requests — was acquired by Denver-based Granicus, the companies announced Thursday, solidifying a deal that’s expected to better define what the future of civic engagement might looks like. Financial terms of the acquisition were not…
Two years after top KC startup’s sale, Zego (and its new owner) acquired for nearly $1B
The company that acquired Kansas City-based Zego in 2019 — and liked the real estate tech startup’s brand so much it changed its own identity to match — has itself now been purchased by a global “powerhouse” in an all-cash transaction valued at $925 million. Zego — formerly PayLease — announced the acquisition by Global…
Women bore the brunt of pandemic; now it’s time to reinvest in their businesses, Rep. Davids says
A strong recovery from the COVID-19 crisis — which destroyed the businesses of many women, and particularly women of color — requires a deliberate investment in initiatives that drive and support female entrepreneurship, said Sharice Davids. “It’s not enough to recreate the pre-pandemic economy for female workers and business owners,” U.S. Rep. Davids, D-Kansas, said…
T-Mobile Accelerator preps for June 30 demo day; nearly ready to launch new fall cohort
As the Kansas City-based T-Mobile Accelerator readies for its June 30 demo day of immersive technology, the deadline is nearing on applications for a second accelerator program — set to debut this fall with a specific focus on wellness tech. “T-Mobile Accelerator is actively searching for startups developing the next big thing in 5G technologies…
Meet 13 small businesses leading the way on DEI as Chamber’s Equity Award finalists
Some of Kansas City’s youngest companies and startups are among the most committed to achieving DEI goals in the workforce, the Chamber said this week, releasing finalists for its 2021 Small Business Equity Award. The contenders: 13 leading businesses — ranging from lifestyle brands and tech startups to a Kansas City talent agency and an addiction…
Clara Biotech hits $850K in seed funding roundup, preparing to launch first product
An emerging biotech startup in the region is reporting a busy spring with a significant seed round already raised and key steps under way to launch its product: a solution that removes manufacturing roadblocks for breakthrough drugs. “We’re in an exciting and growing space and currently have low regulatory hurdles in the research stage,” said…
Fund Me, KC: It’s more than a card game; Parkville woman channels inner Philosopher to evolve humanity
Startland News is continuing its “Fund Me, KC” series to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses or lend a helping hand to others. This is an opportunity for business owners — like Parkville creator Loni Louise Bernard with her Philosopher game — to share their crowdfunding stories and potentially gain backing from new…