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
BacklotCars completes historic $425M exit, joining ‘power and fierce entrepreneurial spirit’ of KAR Global
The $425 million acquisition of Kansas City-based BacklotCars is complete, nearly two months to the day it was announced. “There is so much energy and excitement around this combination with our employees and with our customers,” Justin Davis, president and co-founder of BacklotCars, said in a release announcing the milestone acquisition’s completion Thursday by KAR…
Keystone Labs partners with LaunchKC to lead accelerator platform operations
Six years after launching as a grants competition, the ever-evolving LaunchKC program will continue as an accelerator platform, newly led by the minds behind Keystone Labs — an outgrowth of the Keystone innovation district effort championed by Kevin McGinnis. Announced Thursday morning during a meeting of the Downtown Council of Kansas City, the move is expected…
Victor Hwang’s Q&A with Andrew Yang: How small business can restart the US economy
Editor’s note: The following is a Q&A-style interview between Victor Hwang, founder and CEO of the Right to Start movement, and Andrew Yang, former presidential candidate and founder of Venture for America. The full Q&A was originally published by Right to Start and is the basis for an Inc Magazine piece published this week — “Andrew…
KC Hall of Fame: Pro Athlete named Small Business of the Year for decades-long winning strategy
Making stewardship — and “blowing people’s minds” — the strategy for your business isn’t always the easiest approach, especially during trying times, said Andrew Dowis, but it’s the most rewarding. “Push yourself to say yes to that crazy idea that doesn’t make sense for the bottom line but makes sense for the betterment of you…
Techstars co-founder Brad Feld launches $25K matching gift for Startland News donor campaign
Editor’s note: The following is an update to Startland News’ Give A Start — an eight-week donor campaign seeking reader support for the nonprofit newsroom. Click here to donate. One week into Startland News’ donor campaign — the nonprofit newsroom’s first big ask for readers’ financial support — the digital publication is announcing the Brad Feld Challenge. Brad Feld —…
Blue KC ‘investing in the future’ by joining KCRise Fund II to build high-tech startups
Editor’s note: KCRise Fund is a financial supporter of Startland, the parent organization of Startland News, and Darcy Howe, founder and managing director of KCRise Fund, sits on the board of the nonprofit, ecosystem-building entity. This report was produced independently by Startland News. As a leading Kansas City venture firm nears the completion of its…
ECJC leading Johnson County effort to distribute $13.5M in CARES small business grants
A new government lifeline designed to boost Johnson County entrepreneurs hit by the COVID-19 pandemic soon will offer a one-time $10,000 grant to qualified recipients. “Many of Johnson County’s small businesses have limited resources and access to capital during this unprecedented time,” said Ed Eilert, chairman of the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners. “We’re…
Hyperloop taps West Virginia for $500M project; Missouri still in the running for future sites, advocate says
A prized hyperloop project headed for West Virginia doesn’t mean Missouri’s hopes of a high-speed transportation system connecting St. Louis to Kansas City are off the rails, said Ryan Weber, KC Tech Council president. Virgin Hyperloop announced Thursday its plans to host a $500 million certification center and test track for billionaire Richard Branson’s experimental…
Rising startup stars among latest wave of Digital Sandbox’s critical COVID-era capital
Four new Digital Sandbox KC companies reflect a wide breadth of technology, diversity and ingenuity that’s not only typical of the proof-of-concept program, but needed as the startup community attempts a rebound amid the ongoing pandemic, said Jill Meyer. “Our current environment has been a challenging one to navigate for many of our entrepreneurs,” said…
RiskGenius touchdown: OP insuretech startup scores exit deal with industry leader
Overland Park’s RiskGenius crossed a finish line this week — but work remains as an exit looms, the company announced Tuesday. Columbus, Ohio-based Bold Penguin — an innovation-driven startup that rapidly increases speed-to-bind for commercial insurance — has agreed to acquire the insurtech company for an undisclosed amount, paving the way for continued dominance as the…