Tommy Felts
Editor-In-Chief, Startland News
Tommy is editor-in-chief for Startland News, a Kansas City-based nonprofit newsroom that uses storytelling to elevate the region’s startup community of entrepreneurs, innovators, hustlers, creatives and risk-takers.
Under Tommy’s leadership, Startland News has expanded its coverage from a primarily high-tech, high-growth focus to a more wide-ranging and inclusive look at the faces of entrepreneurism, innovation and business.
Before joining Startland News in 2017, Tommy worked for 12 years as an award-winning newspaper journalist, designer, editor and publisher. He was named one of Editor & Publisher magazine’s top “25 Under 35” in 2014.
Recent Stories by Tommy Felts
Digital Sandbox KC secures $450K to support startups’ prototyping, proof-of-concept needs
As Digital Sandbox KC marks its 10th year in 2024, the popular funding program — and a key marker of emerging success for young tech startups in Kansas City — has earned a new round of financial backing from the State of Missouri. Spread over three years, a $450,000 MOBEC (Missouri Building Entrepreneurial Capacity) project grant…
MTC grant puts ‘cherry on top’ for KC startup closing its seed round; two more local companies earn MO funding
A trio of Kansas City tech startups are among seven Missouri companies splitting $2.2 million in equity-based investments from the State of Missouri — a funding milestone that not only reflects momentum, but amplifies it, one grant-winning founder said. The Missouri Technology Corporation on Tuesday announced the awards from its IDEA Fund, with investments slated for…
Pipeline’s new cohorts show ‘power of diversity’; here’s who’s joining the elite entrepreneur network
Pipeline’s roster of high-growth Midwest entrepreneurs swelled Thursday as the premier fellowship network officially announced more than two dozen founders joining its 2024 Fellowship and Pathfinder Program. “The selected Fellows and Pathfinders represent the power and impact of diverse companies, leaders and regions being represented in a cohort,” said Vincent, executive director of Pipeline Entrepreneurs….
Make it Red February: Here are 20+ must-see additions to your KC closet (Super Bowl edition)
The haters might have counted the Kansas City Chiefs out of Super Bowl contention after a lackluster regular season, but these shirts from across the spectrum of KC makers are for the fans who relish the role of underdog, villain, road warrior, and, of course, Swiftie. Check out 20-plus new designs to intercept before the…
KC startup on a mission to show women’s health is more than a niche; a nationwide advocate could help
A women-led Kansas City health startup is among 10 companies chosen for a new innovation cohort from Springboard Enterprises, which made a name for itself locally in recent years through its popular Dolphin Tank pitch showcases. Marma was selected for the Springboard program — a comprehensive entrepreneurial bootcamp and an expansive workshop series — because the…
10 Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2024
Meet 10 of the most compelling, emerging startups poised to make bold headlines in 2024. From spacetech to artificial intelligence, beer to golf, blowouts to big rigs, these companies share at least one critical component beyond sheer momentum. They help reflect a new golden era in Kansas City. It’s a theme echoed throughout the local…
A misstep ended their ‘Squid Game’ run together; the business of their friendship keeps moving
While not everything on reality TV is 100 percent … well, real, the bond between “Squid Game: The Challenge” competitors Stephen Lomas and Chase Higgins is anything but scripted, the Kansas City duo said. Longtime friends and business partners — the two previously co-founded Let’s Get Moving, a social media savvy moving company that gained…
If support for LGBT employees doesn’t seem obvious, this new chamber leader would like a word
Kansas City’s LGBTQ+ community shouldn’t have to face its battles alone, said Tracey DeMarea, emphasizing the impact of allyship and the growing need for stronger support from the region’s business community — regardless of whether a company considers itself LGBT-owned. “Equity isn’t just an issue for businesses that know they have LGBT leadership or employees,”…
Pipeline entrepreneur expands his Omaha-based senior living network into Kansas City
A 10-market expansion for HomeCare Advocacy Network is expected to bring the Omaha-based company to Lee’s Summit and Overland Park as Mark Goetz and his team work to provide personal care and specialized services for seniors who wish to age in place. “With one of the largest metropolitan areas in the Midwest, the Greater Kansas…
Sports tech founder: Team’s years of work laid groundwork for Forbes 30 Under 30 honor
Being named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 for sports — alongside athletes like Lamar Jackson, Kyle Kuzma, and Ronald Acuna — adds more fuel to the fire for Austin Barone, the 29-year-old co-founder of Just Play Sports Solutions. “The growth we have experienced over the past few years has been tremendous, so to receive this…