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
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…
Onward scores $1M grant from Chan Zuckerberg Initiative for payday loan end-run
Everyone needs a financial cushion, said Ronnie Washington — even a fintech startup offering low- to moderate-income workers a path to avoid predatory lending practices, the Onward founder said. A member of KC-based Fountain City Fintech’s inaugural cohort, Onward is one of 10 companies from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico being awarded $1 million…
VIDEO: Local Legends makes brick-and-mortar play with new Westport gaming center
A popular E-Sports startup plans to level up sooner than its founder ever envisioned — putting Local Legends Gaming on Main Street. But this time, it’s wheels up, said AbdulRasheed Yahaya. “We really want to introduce Kansas City to the big, E-Sports brand and how social [gaming] really is,” Yahaya said of his new brick-and-mortar…
Make KC Gift Again 2018: 12 Kansas City-stuffed stocking stuffers
Startland News presents its annual gift guide of Kansas City-made products to celebrate dozens of KC makers and give readers curated shopping hints. Check out selections for last-minute (or not) stocking stuffers below. (Have more ideas? Leave them for readers in the comments below. We know this is just a glimpse of what Kansas City…
Make KC Gift Again 2018: Five wearable Kansas City pride shopping ideas
Startland News presents its annual gift guide of Kansas City-made products to celebrate dozens of KC makers and give readers curated shopping hints. Check out selections for showing Kansas City pride below. (Have more ideas? Leave them for readers in the comments below. We know this is just a glimpse of what Kansas City has…