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
Why this KC couple will be lifting a celebratory ‘Dirty Sunrise’ when GEWKC drops anchor
The married duo behind Anchor Island Coffee already knew they’d have to defy expectations for their tropical-themed breakfast spot to succeed on Troost. And then came COVID. “Just two weeks after we opened in March 2020, we closed,” said Mike Hastings, who owns the shop with husband Armando Vasquez. “By May, we were able to…
Bardavon announces $90M funding round to fuel health tech expansion; a moment built by people in KC, founder says
A $90 million Series C funding round for Bardavon Health Innovations is not only big deal for the startup and Kansas City — but a testament to a community of support that made the health tech company’s growth and expansion possible, said Matt Condon. Led by investor Matrix Capital Management, a public and private investment firm,…
Just funded: Sharks, crowd salute veteran-led tech newcomer with $32K in Pure Pitch Rally checks
A fresh face to the startup stage, Zachary Oshinbanjo left Monday’s Pure Pitch Rally with the most-funded venture of the event — taking home more than a third of the day’s nearly $90,000 in cash prizes. A U.S. Army veteran, Oshinbanjo pitched “land sharks” on Vetelligence — a tech platform that aims to create a…
Why one chef calls city’s airport vote a ‘life-changing event for small businesses in Kansas City’
A freshly stamped plan to bring more than a dozen women- and minority-owned businesses — among 40 local brands — to Kansas City’s new airport terminal is a surreal turn for Laronda Lanear, the Kansas City chef said, noting the project’s opportunity for generational impact. “It’s going to change my life, my daughter’s life. It’s going…
Letter from the editor: Every story starts somewhere
Editor’s note: The following letter from Startland News’ editor in chief kicks off Startland News’ eight-week donor campaign seeking reader support for the nonprofit newsroom. Click here to donate. Every story starts somewhere — and today we’re asking for your help to start more. Startland News is continuing its mission in 2022 to elevate bold,…
How watching a 1-minute video could help a Kansas City startup win $200K
TL;DR — Clara Biotech needs views and likes on a company explainer video in order to advance in a highly competitive pitch event. Click here to watch the video or keep reading. Online audience support could help propel a local biotech startup into the finals of an Oct. 15 pitch competition where the winner will…
An absent-minded workplace gaffe, a nationwide Starbucks controversy; why the CEO ‘leadership jersey’ demands fearlessness on diversity, inclusion
Editor’s note: The following story is sponsored by Morgan Stanley, a New York-based multinational investment bank and financial services company, and is a follow-up to this summer’s “Nothing to Fear” virtual panel discussion on diversity and inclusion efforts. The conversation was led by Carla Harris, vice chairman and managing director at Morgan Stanley, with moderator Channa…
As new terminal nears, Cowork KCI sells amid 87-acre development along airport corridor
Cowork KCI might have new owners, but the coworking veterans behind the Northland venture aren’t stepping too far away from the gate, they said. The 8,000-square-foot flex office space at 12200 N Ambassador Drive — less than a five-minute drive from Kansas City International Airport — has sold to the Ambassador Building. Robert L. Curland and…
Chatbots to wedding insurance: Meet the four premium InsurTech startups selected for KC’s bcp tech accelerator
Four of the industry’s most-promising seed stage startups — an international mix of insurtech solutions — are expected to be the beneficiaries of Kansas City’s extensive insurance expertise, explained Nathan Kurtz, announcing the second cohort of the LaunchKC-backed bcp tech InsurTech accelerator. “We are very insurance focused,” said Kurtz, COO of Brush Creek Partners (bcp). “And there’s…
Who’s getting funded in KC? The answer requires a long look in the mirror, analysts say
Editor’s note: Startland News asked industry experts to take an early look at the data behind the 2021 Kansas City Venture Capital-Backed Companies Report — the culmination of a three-month collaboration between UMKC’s Technology Venture Studio and Startland News, and presented by Mylo, a Lockton Company. Below are some of their leading takeaways, along with…