Choose your location
Startland News
Why Bay Area investors are shifting their gaze from tech to on-the-ground ag innovations
Agriculture innovation is at a capital-fueled crossroads, said Josh Svaty, describing a growing appetite from well-funded West Coast investors who are hungry for high-yield Midwest solutions. Climate change — and the challenges it poses across industries — is seeding much of that interest, explained the Kansas farmer, former politician, and investor; speaking to Startland News before The post Why Bay Area investors are shifting their gaze from tech to on-the-ground ag innovations appeared first on Startland News.
Foresight announces $100K investment for its AI-fueled fintech fraud solution for banks
Fresh off completing the Tulsa Techstars Accelerator and NXSTAGE fintech competition in Wichita, a busy Kansas City startup just announced a $100,000 investment from Northwestern Mutual. Foresight — an artificial intelligence platform from serial entrepreneur and investor Jannae Gammage — earned a spot in Northwestern Mutual’s Black Founder Accelerator program alongside four other Black-owned tech The post Foresight announces $100K investment for its AI-fueled fintech fraud solution for banks appeared first on Startland News.
Innovation center, investor hub set to open this month on Liberty campus, thanks to family’s gift
LIBERTY, Missouri — A significant financial gift to William Jewell College from a family of alumni is expected to fund a new innovation center opening on campus this month. The space is expected to serve as an investor hub and flexible workspace for Kansas City entrepreneurs. The Mathes Innovation Center — made possible by the The post Innovation center, investor hub set to open this month on Liberty campus, thanks to family’s gift appeared first on Startland News.
Sched now: Check out GEWKC’s just-launched, weeklong event lineup with 100+ sessions
Organizers of Kansas City’s largest multi-day event series for entrepreneurs have opened registration for the Nov. 13-19 sessions, with a three-day, in-person base camp planned for Plexpod Westport at Park 39. “Global Entrepreneurship Week-Kansas City is the best way for the KC metro’s doers, dreamers and makers to gain new skills, make key connections and The post Sched now: Check out GEWKC’s just-launched, weeklong event lineup with 100+ sessions appeared first on Startland News.
Time for this mob to Roo Up with UMKC streetwear collection: Here’s where to find it off-campus
MADE MOBB’s latest collaboration — an eight-piece streetwear collection with UMKC — is yet another full circle moment for co-founder Vu Radley, he shared. The Crossroads-based apparel brand is planning a limited-edition drop Friday, featuring Radley’s alma mater and its iconic Roos. “It’s one of those things that just makes sense,” explained MADE MOBB co-founder, The post Time for this mob to Roo Up with UMKC streetwear collection: Here’s where to find it off-campus appeared first on Startland News.
Purple Wave’s strategic partnership with global auction site will take KS tech international
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. MANHATTAN, Kansas — A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is expected to help homegrown auction tech company Purple Wave scale into the global brand its co-founders always dreamed it could be, said Aaron The post Purple Wave’s strategic partnership with global auction site will take KS tech international appeared first on Startland News.
Burnout or just neurotic? Your personality type might be why you’re feeling swamped at work (Holistic Hustle)
Kharissa Parker is a news producer, writer, certified health coach, and “Holistic Hustle” columnist for Startland News. The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. For more of her self-care tips on how to keep your cup full, visit kparker.co. When it comes to emotional regulation and mental health at work, Americans seem The post Burnout or just neurotic? Your personality type might be why you’re feeling swamped at work (Holistic Hustle) appeared first on Startland News.
The whole package: KC woman’s delivery service drives to beat competition on trust, versatility
Two years after receiving a $25,000 grant from Kansas City G.I.F.T., Damesha Cook’s small business is still on the move, picking up speed as she invests her own personal touch to build confidence and trust among clients. “When people meet me and get to know my personality, it gives them a lot of comfort,” said The post The whole package: KC woman’s delivery service drives to beat competition on trust, versatility appeared first on Startland News.
How one KC startup studio helps feel-good ventures grow impact while actually making money
Running a social venture comes with an inherent challenge for founders, shared Jacqueline Erickson Russell, emphasizing they must balance purpose and profit. Social Venture Studio — powered by LaunchKC — offers support along that journey, added Erickson Russell, the founder and CEO of Social Impact Advisory Group and consultant for the Kansas City-based program. “Complex The post How one KC startup studio helps feel-good ventures grow impact while actually making money appeared first on Startland News.
This hard swap plays easy: How one KC producer juggles community, breaking the club music cookie cutter
Tyler Jordan’s new spin on DJing: amplify fellow artists and unite people through music, he shared. Jordan — who produces electronic music and DJs under the name Oblivinatti (a mashup of his favorite video game growing up, The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion, and his interest in conspiracy theories) — is evolving his sound production business Vibration The post This hard swap plays easy: How one KC producer juggles community, breaking the club music cookie cutter appeared first on Startland News.
Art and technology too often butt heads, festival planners say; River Market event paints a reality where they coexist
The River Market Art Festival is back after a 20-year hiatus — with a nod to the past and an eye toward the future, shared The AI Hub’s Taylor Burris and James Spikes, startup founders who are hosting the event in partnership with the River Market Community Association. The revival of the art festival — The post Art and technology too often butt heads, festival planners say; River Market event paints a reality where they coexist appeared first on Startland News.
PayIt co-founder: No one-size-fits-all formula for scaling one of KC biggest startup ideas
Mike Plunkett’s journey with PayIt came to an early, but critical crossroads when a wealthy entrepreneur offered half-million dollars to support the Kansas City-built govtech venture, he recalled. The catch: this investor insisted on imposing control and veto power as they committed more funds. Despite being low on funds, the PayIt team — led by The post PayIt co-founder: No one-size-fits-all formula for scaling one of KC biggest startup ideas appeared first on Startland News.
Pure Pitch Rally reveals 2023 competitors: Meet 8 founders redefining the future of tech
One of KC’s most-anticipated startup events is set to tease a room full of sharks with the innovations of tomorrow — being built in Kansas City today, said Karen Fenaroli, announcing the eight competitors set for the Oct. 23 Pure Pitch Rally stage. The one-of-a-kind event helps startups grow by offering nondilutive spot-cash funding to The post Pure Pitch Rally reveals 2023 competitors: Meet 8 founders redefining the future of tech appeared first on Startland News.
Apple co-founder tells Kansas crowd: The real threat from AI is misinformation
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. WICHITA, Kansas — Artificial intelligence won’t replace humans, shared Apple co-founder and tech giant Steve Wozniak, but the rapidly advancing technology should come with a warning label. AI is just The post Apple co-founder tells Kansas crowd: The real threat from AI is misinformation appeared first on Startland News.
MADE MOBB co-founder wins top award from his community, aims to inspire Island kids (and leave a legacy for his own)
Mark Launiu always felt a bit like an outsider, he said. While the serial entrepreneur now leads KC’s iconic streetwear brand MADE MOBB, Launiu grew up humbly as an immigrant within a small community in South Kansas City. So his recent honor as Samoan Business/Entrepreneur Award of the Year was a pleasant surprise, he said. The post MADE MOBB co-founder wins top award from his community, aims to inspire Island kids (and leave a legacy for his own) appeared first on Startland News.
Five startups are getting a tech boost with the latest round of Digital Sandbox KC funding
The caliber of founders leading the latest startups funded by Digital Sandbox KC is truly exceptional, said Jill Meyer, describing a third-quarter cohort that includes a Pipeline Pathfinder member, a KC Chamber Small Business of the Year finalist, and the former CEO of the KC Tech Council. “Their industry experience and dedication are the cornerstones The post Five startups are getting a tech boost with the latest round of Digital Sandbox KC funding appeared first on Startland News.
Five startups are getting a tech boost with the latest round of Digital Sandbox KC funding
The caliber of founders leading the latest startups funded by Digital Sandbox KC is truly exceptional, said Jill Meyer, describing a third-quarter cohort that includes a Pipeline Pathfinder member, a KC Chamber Small Business of the Year finalist, and the former CEO of the KC Tech Council. “Their industry experience and dedication are the cornerstones The post Five startups are getting a tech boost with the latest round of Digital Sandbox KC funding appeared first on Startland News.
Mayor appoints city’s first Small Business Task Force as investment in KC entrepreneurs
Small businesses have the potential to thrive in Kansas City in ways unlike other metros across the country, said Christine Lau, highlighting how the city’s unique spirit will play a role in a newly created Small Business Task Force for KCMO. “We have a grit and tenacity that I haven’t seen anywhere else,” said Lau, The post Mayor appoints city’s first Small Business Task Force as investment in KC entrepreneurs appeared first on Startland News.
Why Kauffman’s new CEO just rolled out the blue carpet (and an ask) for Kansas City
Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace wears the legacy of Ewing Kauffman on her shoulders, she said. Inspired by the Kauffman Foundation’s namesake, the organization’s new president and CEO opened the doors to its headquarters this week, offering insight into how she plans to lead with intention. “We must match the needs of the communities we serve,” she The post Why Kauffman’s new CEO just rolled out the blue carpet (and an ask) for Kansas City appeared first on Startland News.
Taylor Swift vs NFL Draft: Who scored the most touchdowns for KC in this epic economic showdown
Editor’s note: The following economic analysis was provided by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC). The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Kansas City, Missouri, has recently been the epicenter of two gargantuan events: Taylor Swift’s Eras concerts and the NFL Draft. Both events have left significant economic imprints The post Taylor Swift vs NFL Draft: Who scored the most touchdowns for KC in this epic economic showdown appeared first on Startland News.
Startland News
2K+
Posts
3M+
Views
Startland News is a non-profit newsroom elevating Kansas City’s innovation community of entrepreneurs, startups, creatives, makers and risk-takers through objective storytelling.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.