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
Inclusion Open funding helps Determination Incorporated reunite KCSourceLink alums
Within days of securing funding from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s Inclusion Open, Determination Incorporated is expanding its team, the nonprofit announced Wednesday. “We are so thankful to the Kauffman Foundation and excited to announce that Leslie Walton, an experienced entrepreneurial ecosystem builder in KC, is joining the team in support of our mission,” Johnny…
RiskGenius announces Series B, partnerships with trio of world’s largest insurance carriers
Customers are pushing for the growth of RiskGenius, a top Kansas City startup providing software-based natural language processing tools for improved quality and accuracy in the insurance industry, said CEO Chris Cheatham. RiskGenius announced Monday an undisclosed Series B round led by Hudson Structured Capital Management Ltd., doing business as HSCM Bermuda. The financing round…
OHUB x KCUP set to debut ‘18th & Vine Summer Trep Series’ for black, Latinx startup builders
The first spoke of Opportunity Hub’s arrival in Kansas City debuts July 19 with a new monthly event series dedicated to business builders from black and Latinx communities. “This is a celebration of unity, creating a healthier ecosystem within Kansas City, Missouri,” said Jamilah Jones, a business development officer at the Economic Development Corporation of…
Minneapolis angel investment firm expanding to KC, names McCoolidge managing partner
A former leader of the Mid-America Angels fund could be the secret to establishing Minneapolis-based Sofia Fund as a new investment resource for women-led companies within Kansas City, said Cathy Connett. “The Midwest continues to be a hub of startup activity,’ said Connett, Sofia Fund CEO. “Extending our footprint to Kansas City gives us access…
Pure Pitch Rally returning in October with spot-cash funding; applications open now
The land sharks are already hungry for Kansas City’s top tech talent, said Karen Fenaroli, announcing the planned return of the Pure Pitch Rally this fall. “Not only does Pure Pitch Rally provide startups with the opportunity to earn much-needed cash funding, it gives local entrepreneurs direct access to the resources and people in our…
EDCKC touts five years of economic development as president and CEO departs
When Bob Langenkamp was approached in 2014 about leading the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri, momentum was building for a city on the cusp of a World Series win, economic revitalization and revived civic pride. “It’s been a great run,” said Langenkamp, reflecting on his tenure as president and CEO of EDCKC. With…
Latest Digital Sandbox startups: Connecting solutions on climate change, supply chain, child therapy and voter education
Four new companies welcomed this week into the fold at Digital Sandbox KC help showcase the ongoing success of the 6-year-old proof-of-concept program, said Jeff Shackelford. “We’ve now provided project development funding for 118 area startups, and this group has raised over $70 million in add-on investment and created nearly 700 new area jobs,” said…
AI smart sensor startup Particle Space earns ‘Top 50 Tech Companies’ distinction
A virtually hardware-free property and building management platform from Particle Space earned the Kansas City-based startup high honors this month at Intercon in Las Vegas. “The future is bright, all buildings will communicate every interworking detail,” said David Biga, founder of Particle Space, which uses artificial intelligence and smart sensors for its residential and commercial…
Got ideas for real-world events? Global Entrepreneurship Week accepting 2019 submissions
A weeklong event elevating the doers, dreamers and makers at the heartbeat of Kansas City small business needs the community’s help, Jenny Miller said. Organizers of Global Entrepreneurship Week — set for Nov. 18-22 in Kansas City — are now accepting event submissions for this year’s celebration, said Miller, network builder at KCSourceLink and chair of…
USDA moving two key agencies to KC, expected to bring 568 new jobs to the animal health corridor
Corporate and government leaders agree: Kansas City is positioned at the hub of innovation in the animal health space, they said Thursday, announcing the metro has been chosen as the new home of two federal agencies. “Kansas City is a city with a small town feel, which makes it a great place to build a…