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
2021 Startups to Watch: Replica spins out job creation as urban planning goes data dense
Editor’s note: Startland News selected 10 Kansas City firms to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch list. The following is one of 2021’s companies. Click here to view the full, ranked list of Startups to Watch — presented by sponsors Husch Blackwell and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Rapidly scaling Replica won’t slow down in 2021, Nick…
Look to your father, not the coach: Why one fit entrepreneur hopes to redefine ‘dad bod’
Fatherhood — like athletics — is a physical and mental challenge with lifelong impacts, said Isaac Thibault, detailing the parallels at the core of his pandemic-pivoted career turn as a personal trainer. Launched this summer, Thibault’s PushIT Fitness targets married men with children — a demographic that allows the 25-year-old Overland Park entrepreneur an opportunity to…
How Brian Platt’s innovation past unmasks KC’s potential for newly arrived city manager
Kansas City’s open spaces — and open mindset — quickly expose the region’s potential, said Brian Platt, eagerly rolling up his sleeves as the new KCMO city manager. “In a sense, it reminds me a lot of downtown Jersey City from a decade ago, give or take, in that there are plenty of new developments — tall…
Sneak peek: Plexpod Flashcube offers glimpse into coworking’s future (Hint: It isn’t far from home)
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. Work, live, play, Stephanie Medina emphasized during a guided tour of the newest and most high-end Plexpod community yet. “We’re looking at how…
Chocolatier Christopher Elbow: Neighborhood favorites need KC support to survive 2020 (and 2021)
Hours before opening to hungry Black Friday customers, workers at Christopher Elbow’s Fairway Creamery were busy crafting decadent donuts and savory on-the-go breakfast favorites. Salted caramel gingersnap cake. Strawberry rosé and chocolate blackout yeast raised. Avocado toast with a sunny side up egg on top. The morning easily could go either way, staff members said:…
Shop small: Five ways to wear (and wash with) KC pride from Westside Storey’s historic corner
Editor’s note: Startland News perused Westside Storey’s 1920s-era corner shop as part of the newsroom’s five-part holiday gift guide that identifies locally made goods and supports the call to shop small. Click here to read the multi-day gift guide as it develops. What began eight years ago as a boutique antique shop quickly evolved into…
Shop small: Five finds at Made in KC to help creators survive a ‘make or break’ holiday season
Editor’s note: Startland News explored the Made in KC Marketplace in Lee’s Summit as part of the newsroom’s five-part holiday gift guide that identifies locally made goods and supports the call to shop small. Click here to read the multi-day gift guide as it develops. A trip to Made in KC means a majority of…
Shop small: Five designer gifts at Kindred celebrating KC’s fashionpreneurs, winning vibes
Editor’s note: Startland News shopped Kindred’s Oak Park Mall store as part of the newsroom’s five-part holiday gift guide that identifies locally made goods and supports the call to shop small. Click here to read the multi-day gift guide as it develops. Local designers always have a spot on the rack within the Kindred Shops. …
Shop small: Five buys at Westport’s Mid Coast Modern to help support KC makers
Editor’s note: Startland News explored Mid Coast Modern’s Westport storefront as part of the newsroom’s five-part holiday gift guide that identifies locally made goods and supports the call to shop small. Click here to read the multi-day gift guide as it develops. Westport streets aren’t filled with as much cheer in 2020, Matt Bramlette said, entering…
KCMO mayor: New ‘slowdown’ rules for businesses as COVID intensifies across metro
Kansas City residents and workers are safer at home, Mayor Quinton Lucas said Monday, announcing new KCMO guidelines aimed at mitigating the spread of the Coronavirus and decreasing the strain on the region’s hospitals and health care workers. Lucas also urged families to cancel “the normal version of their Thanksgiving plans.” “Like many, I have…