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
Serial entrepreneur hopes to cultivate ‘real talk’ with startups at day-long Own It event
Business often isn’t pretty, said serial entrepreneur Mike Wrenn. And it’s time to expose some of the hard truths he and his wife, Becky Cole — as well as other business heavyweights — have learned through their careers, he said. “Becky and I have built a successful business with national and international reach,” said Wrenn, chairman…
LaunchKC lands keynote speaker from NASA; Techweek queries two Google developer advocates
Pitch Day for LaunchKC is expected to lift off next month with an opening keynote address from NASA executive Kira Blackwell. Remarks are expected to delve into NASA iTech, a year-long effort to find innovative ideas that address challenges and fill gaps in five critical areas identified by the space agency as having a potential impact…
LaunchKC finalists revealed: Kansas City newsmakers and startup stars in the making
A dozen Kansas City tech entrepreneurs are set to compete next month against a mix of firms from across the country — and one startup from Israel — in arguably the city’s most elite and hotly anticipated pitch event of the year. LaunchKC announced its 20 finalists Tuesday — each vying for their piece of…
Pipeline opens applications for 2019 fellowship class, reveals three-city 1MC pitch event
An application for Pipeline’s 2019 fellowship class isn’t just about next year, said Joni Cobb — it’s an opportunity for a lifetime of support from the organization’s network of developing and top-tier entrepreneurs. “Pipeline is available for life for each entrepreneur who successfully completes the fellowship year,” said Cobb, president and CEO of Pipeline, in…
Former DST execs launch EDZ Systems tool to centralize law office data
A quartet of former DST Systems executives who went on to launch EDZ Systems are hoping to streamline law offices’ operations with the help of their new software. The Overland Park-based startup recently released Intelligent RMS, a software platform designed to centralize law firms’ and corporate legal departments’ data, affording clients more strategic information, said…
‘First-of-its-kind’ AltCap investment pool aims to transform Kansas City’s urban blight
With more than 5,000 blighted homes and vacant lots, Kansas City’s urban core might soon see some help thanks to new AltCap investment pool. AltCap, a Kansas City-based community development financial institution, has partnered with Legal Aid of Western Missouri and Stinson Leonard Street to create a fund that’s focused on rehabilitation of housing in…
ScaleUP! KC announces eighth cohort of firms eyeing serious growth
The ScaleUP! Kansas City program has welcomed another large batch of growing companies hoping to accelerate their businesses. ScaleUP announced Wednesday that it accepted 17 Kansas City area companies into its ranks, offering the firms mentorship, resources and connections. The new cohort of entrepreneurs represent varied industries, such as IT, wellness, landscaping, education, architecture and…
GXPI-led $3.25M deal pushes Kansas City IoT firm Pepper over $15M investment mark
Pepper topped $15 million in investments this week — adding to its ownership structure through a sizeable deal led by GXPI, the investment arm of Evergy. “This strategic investment by Evergy gives us a great partner in the retail electric utility industry where IoT is beginning to play a critical role,” said Scott Ford, CEO…
Vote now: Kansas Citians vie to lead tech, education panels at SXSW 2019
A cadre of Kansas Citians are hoping to take the podium at one of the nation’s largest tech and innovation conferences in 2019. At least four Kansas City tech and entrepreneurship leaders are vying for panel or speaking spots at the 2019 South by Southwest conference March 8-17 in Austin, Texas. SXSW recently opened voting…
Nominations for Techweek 100 list of premier KC innovators close Sept. 9
It’s not a ranking. Techweek 100 celebrates the whole spectrum of individuals and organizations who are impacting the business and technology landscape on a significant scale in cities like Kansas City, organizers said. Nominations close Sunday, Sept. 9. “Honorees include fast-growing technology companies, prominent sector investors, key contributing enablers of the digital ecosystem, those at…