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
Village veteran SquareOffs launches long-awaited social opinion site, tops $2M+ in funding
SquareOffs hopes its new consumer-facing destination website — showcasing interactive “microdebates” aggregated across a growing network of publishers and influencers — moves digital conversations back to civility. A fresh round of funding will help, said Jeff Rohr. “We are all tired of the toxicity that fills our social media feeds and dominates comments at the bottom…
Novel Growth announces new $12M+ fund, expansion to Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis
An oversubscribed first fund for Novel Growth Partners will help the Kansas City-based financing firm expand its tech investments in Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis. With more than $12 million banked for the fund, Novel is poised to use its unique revenue-based financing model to focus on boosting B2B software startups, the firm said in…
H&R Block plans $3.5M in KC investments to combat social isolation, boost entrepreneurs
H&R Block filed its intentions Thursday to contribute $6.5 million over the next five years to support neighborhood revitalization and the success of small businesses nationally — with $3.5 million slated specifically for Kansas City. “Make Every Block Better” teams the Kansas City-born tax preparation giant with five key partners in the local entrepreneur and…
Fund Me, KC: My Bear Jeff spreads comfort to child trauma survivors, bear to bear
Startland News is continuing its “Fund Me, KC” series to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs — like Rachel Cohen with her My Bear Jeff campaign — to share their crowdfunding stories to gain a little help from their supporters. Who are you? Rachel Cohen, Chief Bear Officer…
Pitch Pub Crawl returning to downtown Lee’s Summit with nine emerging KC startups
Nine startup leaders are expected to compete this month for seed in downtown Lee’s Summit hot spots better known for hops. Velocity LS Pitch Pub Crawl is set to return 5 p.m. Dec. 12 at Bricks Pub & Grub,18 SE Third St., before moving on to Smoke Brewing Company, 209 SE Main St., Arcade Alley,…
7 ways to deck the halls in Kansas City style
Editor’s note: Below you’ll find a list of seven ways to spruce up your holiday decor courtesy of Kansas City creatives. Click here to check out the rest of Startland News’ 2019 Gift Guide. Handpainted ornaments Bright and unexpected, Ampersand Design Studio ornaments hope to make a modern splash on the bows of traditional Christmas…
5 gifts for yourself (courtesy of KC makers)
Editor’s note: Below you’ll find a list of five gifts you can snag for yourself amid the holiday shopping madness. Click here to check out the rest of Startland News’ 2019 Gift Guide. Soaps and bath bombs Handmade in Westport, Bear Soap Co. is an extension of Midcoast Modern and provides non-toxic soaps and bath…
10 gift exchange ideas from Kansas City startups
Editor’s note: Below you’ll find a list of 10 ideas for your next office or family holiday gift exchange — each from a Kansas City startup or maker. Click here to check out the rest of Startland News’ 2019 Gift Guide. wlle drink sweater Made by Sandlot Goods, the WLLE drink sweater uses the insulating…
5 Kansas City-crafted gifts for kids
Editor’s note: Below you’ll find a list of five Kansas City-crafted gift ideas for the kids on your holiday shopping list. Click here to check out the rest of Startland News’ 2019 Gift Guide. Nanables Created by the minds at Kansas City’s Tesseract Ventures, miniature, unique houses show kids seeing is believing — with a…
10 ways to wear (or gift) KC’s maker scene
Editor’s note: Below you’ll find a list of 10 wearable gift ideas for your holiday shopping list. Click here to check out the rest of Startland News’ 2019 Gift Guide. Mackbecks shuttlecock earrings Handcrafted in Kansas City, Mackbecks’ tassel earrings capture the spirit of the iconic Nelson Atkins Museum’s shuttlecocks. Price: $25 Where to buy: Midcoast…