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
Kauffman taps financial exec to help foundation invest in ideas, collaborations that expand opportunity
A newly named addition to the leadership cabinet at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is expected to play a crucial role in fostering equitable, inclusive, and sustainable prosperity, said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, announcing Ben Clouse as the organization’s chief financial officer. “Ben brings a proven record of strategic financial leadership and a deep commitment to…
MidxMidwest teases lineup for three-day investor-innovation event (and the startup party of the year)
Building on Kansas City’s ambitious spirit, a new blend of music, startups and community is expected to meet at the crossroads of innovation, said Alexa Heying, pulling back the curtain on plans for the region’s flagship Midwest tech conference. “The goal of MidxMidwest is to create the connective tissue between founders, investors, and corporates so…
Renderings: World Cup innovation-networking hub, FIFA fan fest plans unveiled by KC organizers
Short-term fun, long-term gains. It’s a win-win for Kansas City, local leaders said Thursday, announcing new high-profile concepts set to take the pitch alongside the summer 2026 FIFA World Cup — games that could redefine the region in front of a global audience. “The KC region has an incredible opportunity to showcase our market’s business environment,…
Main Street is already harnessing AI to build wealth; adoption now key to region’s growth, heartland leaders say
WICHITA, Kan. — Artificial intelligence is likely to be one of the most transformative technologies of the digital era, said Taylor Eubanks, noting that AI’s thoughtful deployment can be a tool for growth, not displacement. “By engaging directly with entrepreneurs, small businesses, nonprofit leaders and local innovators, we can better support responsible AI adoption that…
AlphaGraphics expansion boasts $1.4M investment, plans to create 16 new KC jobs
A production crew known for eye-catching, colorful designs splashed across Kansas City — including its own East Crossroads headquarters — is expanding its physical and human footprint, marking a key investment in the metro’s growing creative and professional services sector, local leaders said. AlphaGraphics on Tuesday announced an investment of more than $1.4 million and…
Goodwill’s adult high school launches first day; work continues toward long-term campus
The region’s first-of-its-kind adult high school opened classes Monday, offering a glimpse into programming and projected outcomes for the Goodwill-run Excel Center now operating out of space at Metropolitan Community College’s Penn Valley campus. “The opening of the Excel Center is a major step, not just for our organization, but for the entire region,” said…
Arch Grants taps homegrown founders, Missouri startup recruits for $1.6M in awards
ST. LOUIS — The Missouri maker behind a keychain designed to save lives from opioid overdoses is among nearly two dozen companies — together awarded $1.6 million — selected for the latest Arch Grants program. The innovation economy nonprofit on Thursday honored 19 startups, alongside three new members of its expanded Arch Grants Fellows Program….
Pure Pitch Rally reveals competitors for its 10th crowd-funded, spot-cash pitch contest
Eight emerging startups set to take the Pure Pitch Rally stage next month will become part of the Kansas City tech community’s evolving story, said Karen Fenaroli, touting a decade of impact that has seen millions in follow-on capital raised and thousands of jobs created across the region. “It is no longer just an event,”…
KC GIFT orders a full meal with $100K Wah Gwan grant: Job creation (with a side of inspiration)
Young people on Kansas City’s east side need to see examples of what can be achieved when someone who looks like them works hard — and wins, said Tanyech Yarbrough, pledging to use her recent grant funding from KC G.I.F.T. to mirror entrepreneurship to her community, as well as expand her Troost eatery. Yarbrough’s Wah…
Wichita program drives highway of resources to more KC startups; founders tout who they met along the way
Opening its doors to Midwest companies outside Kansas for the first time, a Wichita-based program that connects startups with the tools to better engage enterprise partners offered an added benefit to Kansas City entrepreneurs: a new ecosystem of support just a few hours from home. “The program’s Wichita location inspired us to broaden our outreach…