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
Thou Mayest sprouts fresh coffee concept in the suburbs; new Crossroads flagship percolating
Coffee needn’t be melancholy or monochromatic, said Thou Mayest founder Bo Nelson, bathed in warm sunlight at Cafe Equinox. “We have to wake people up,” said Nelson. “We’re trying to celebrate the diversity of life — humanity, plants, music, art — so many collisions. It’s not a distraction. It’s not a means to an end….
PHOTOS: Startland’s biggest event yet celebrates 2019 future newsmakers
Founders, investors and audience members were treated to a glimpse of their potential futures Thursday night during Startland’s Startups to Watch in 2019 celebration. The premier event — presented at the Copaken Stage by Kansas City-grown and headquartered H&R Block — showcased 12 companies featured on Startland’s recent list of the most anticipated newsmakers for…
Startup leader hears calling in Kauffman legacy, selected to join Kauffman Foundation trustees
Money alone won’t truly satisfy an entrepreneur, nor will it build a stronger Kansas City, said Matt Condon — lessons learned from the late Ewing Kauffman. “Having a successful company isn’t good enough,” said Condon, a veteran startup leader who recently completed a year as chair of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. “Impacting…
2019 Startups to Watch: Tea-Biotics Kombucha taps into thirst for better beverages
Editor’s note: Startland selected 12 Kansas City firms to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch list. The following is one of 2019’s companies. Click here to view the full, ranked list of Startups to Watch. Tea-Biotics Kombucha’s elevator pitch: Tea-Biotics Kombucha is a live, probiotic, organic beverage that is handcrafted locally in Kansas City…
2019 Startups to Watch: Bungii driving toward coast-to-coast on-demand hauling service
Editor’s note: Startland selected 12 Kansas City firms to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch list. The following is one of 2019’s companies. Click here to view the full, ranked list of Startups to Watch. Bungii’s elevator pitch: Bungii is an app that puts a pickup truck at your fingertips to help move, haul…
2019 Startups to Watch: Life Equals shakes up wellness space with the Superfood Shot
Editor’s note: Startland selected 12 Kansas City firms to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch list. The following is one of 2019’s companies. Click here to view the full, ranked list of Startups to Watch. Life Equals’ elevator pitch: Balance the Superfood Shot provides half your daily fruits and vegetables in a convenient two-ounce…
12 Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2019
They aren’t in it for the headlines. The companies on Startland’s list of Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2019 are challenging themselves. They’re disrupting industries. They’re seeking a payoff, sure, but ultimately are driven by a desire to be masters of their own destinations. These are success stories in the works. And we think…
Year-end roundup: Checking in with Startland’s 2018 Startups to Watch
It was a year of refinement, said Chris Goode, as well as a time to rejoice amid highs and lows at Ruby Jean’s Juicery. Startland checked in with the founder, along with his fellow 2018 Startups to Watch companies, to see if the past 12 months unfolded as predicted. While working to expand Ruby Jean’s…
Destiny Wealth moving HQ to KC; former football player owes debt of inspiration to mother
Grit and the gridiron might have helped shape Parker Graham’s business acumen, but it’s the influence of his coach in the game of life who inspired Destiny Wealth — his fintech startup that soon will move to Kansas City. “My Mom stretched herself so thin and sometimes it was hard to put food on the…
Nickel & Suede couple create their hook with style, influence and fast-selling leather earrings
Feeling is believing, said Kilee Nickels, the fashion inspiration behind Nickel & Suede. “You may not remember you’re wearing our earrings until someone compliments you,” she said of the light-weight, leather statement accessories that earned the business she co-founded a top spot on Inc. 5000’s 2018 fastest-growing companies list. Based in Liberty, the company boasted…