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
Fund Me, KC: Operation Breakthrough hopes to burn into STEM gap with laser cutter
Editor’s note: Startland News is continuing its ‘Fund Me, KC’ feature to highlight area entrepreneurial efforts to accelerate businesses or projects. If you or your startup is running a crowdfunding campaign, let us know by contacting news@startlandnews.com. Today’s featured campaign from Operation Breakthrough spotlights a campaign by the nonprofit childhood development center to boost its…
ScaleUP! KC expands impact with 18 entrepreneurs in latest class
In announcing its latest class, the ScaleUP! KC incubator embraced its track record of helping Kansas City entrepreneurs develop the business skills needed to take the next steps on their journeys. Now on its seventh cohort, the program has graduated 92 business owners, including startups like The Sundry, Ruby Jean’s Juicery, Cambrian Tech, H3 Enterprises…
Grand prize: 10-year-old Leawood girl wins $260K for Storm Sleeper invention
When Julia Luetje’s parents surprised her at school with news that her Storm Sleeper invention won Frito-Lay’s $250,000 Dreamvention grand prize, the 10-year-old Leawood girl was excited, but told them she needed to get back to work. “Julia seemed to be stunned,” said her mother, Susan Bernstein. “She had the biggest smile I’ve ever seen on…
Fund Me, KC: Lips of Steel gives women iron-clad smiles, healthier bodies
Editor’s note: Startland News is continuing its segment to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. If you or your startup is running a crowdfunding campaign, let us know by contacting news@startlandnews.com. Today’s featured campaign — Lips of Steel — spotlights a business co-founded by Kansas City-expat Sofia Gahn, who manages social media for…
Techstars Kansas City accepting startups for second accelerator class
One of the Midwest’s most competitive accelerator programs is looking for technology enabled startups with global potential. Techstars Kansas City is now accepting applications for its three-month, mentor-led 2018 class. The program is set to begin July 16, culminating with an Oct. 11 demo day event in which participating startups will pitch to the community…
Pipeline readies fellows, judges, award finalists ahead of Innovators gala
It’s nearly gala time for the Pipeline Entrepreneurial Fellowship and its alumni, as the program prepares to award top honors next week. Eight fellows from the 2017 Pipeline class are set to compete in an Aug. 25 pitch competition, which will culminate with one participant being crowned Innovator of the Year during a sold-out “The…
FEWDM drops high-tech fitness devices, pivots to workout apparel
Not every promising startup venture can keep the ball moving toward the end zone. It’s a lesson FEWDM founder Tommy Saunders says he’s blessed to have learned — despite the bittersweet turn for the former Detroit Lions receiver’s company. “We have a strong brand that our customers connect with and have grown to love,” Saunders…
Study: Women angel investors more likely to give back to female-led startups
Women support women, a new study of 13,000 North American angel investors says. As more female entrepreneurs have entered the business field in the past few decades, women have begun to reshape the nature of angel investing, according to a report by the Overland Park-based Angel Capital Association. “Being an entrepreneur is one of the…
Startland’s 2017 Made in Kansas City Gift Guide: Miscellaneous
Startland News presents its annual Made in Kansas City Gift Guide. Check out selections from the Miscellaneous KC gifts category below. Have more ideas? Leave them for readers in the comments below. Custom Caricature by Jasur – $50 and up Twitter profile need a creative refresh? Local artist Jasur Rakhimov is well known in…
Startland’s 2017 Made in Kansas City Gift Guide: Apparel and Accessories
Startland News presents its annual Made in Kansas City Gift Guide. Check out selections from the KC Apparel and Accessories category below. Have more ideas? Leave them for readers in the comments below. Wooden Bow Tie — $40 and up Know someone tired of struggling to get their bow tie pulled and plumped just right?…