Startland News Staff
Sometimes we share credit. The “Staff Writer” byline appears on stories reported, written, or edited collaboratively by members of the Startland News team — especially for quick hits and breaking news.
Recent Stories by Startland News Staff
Network Kansas-backed collaborators ignite new entrepreneur training in Douglas County
TOPEKA — A northeast Kansas entrepreneur training program aimed at exploring and validating new business ideas is expanding into Lawrence and Douglas County — deepening equitable opportunities and boosting regional resources, said Michael Odupitan. Organizers are widening access to the Ignite: New Venture Discovery program, through a new collaboration between the Shawnee Startups eCommunity — housed at…
Bracket-style startup pitch competition courts innovators, angels for March gameplay
WICHITA, Kan. — Applications are open for a statewide startup pitch competition set to return in March alongside the Big 12 men’s basketball tourney. The high-profile event connects emerging founders with angel investors and corporate innovators — and a $25,000 top prize. The Gamechangers & Champions 2026 “Bracket Bash” is planned for March 10 at the…
KC’s FairWave Collective acquires legacy North Carolina coffee brand, deepening ties to Triangle region
A Kansas City-based, private equity-backed network of specialty coffee companies — notably including Messenger and The Roasterie coffees — added another brand to its ranks: a 31-year-old, brick-and-mortar mainstay in Chapel Hill and Durham, North Carolina. FairWave Collective announced the acquisition Monday, adding Joe Van Gogh Coffee to its growing collective of 14 coffee, tea,…
Photos: Newsmakers scoop awards at Startups to Watch celebration, teasing action ahead
The preview is complete; next comes the headline-grabbing startup activity, said Tommy Felts, voicing anticipation for the year ahead — months that promise Kansas City companies making good on their efforts to scale innovation throughout the region. An awards reception Tuesday evening served as the culmination of Startland News’ rollout for its Kansas City Startups to…
IPO alert: EquipmentShare hits Nasdaq; Missouri unicorn says its staying true to its long-term vision
COLUMBIA, Mo. — With EquipmentShare’s debut Friday on the stock exchange, the Missouri-built leader in connected jobsite technology is advancing a decade-long blueprint for its growth, as well as productivity, efficiency and collaboration across the construction industry, said Jabbok Schlacks. “Our vision since we founded EquipmentShare more than 10 years ago was to transform the…
Hawaiian Bros adds C-suite storyteller to shape how the brand scales its island-inspired restaurant concept
As Hawaiian Bros expands into new regions and scales its franchising program, the pineapple-topped, Kansas City-built brand is adding a scoop of marketing expertise to its executive leadership menu. Shannon Scott, who spent more than a decade as a marketing executive at Applebee’s before helping to lead the American Academy of Family Physicians, has been…
Inside the MNDSHFT: Raw conversations stare into the entrepreneur struggle; strength stares back
A new video series from an acclaimed Kansas City creator dives into the daily routines, mental shifts, and no-BS strategies behind building businesses and lives that matter, said Quincy Lee, emphasizing episodes built to redefine the hustle mindset. The first three features within the MNDSHFT series premiere today — produced by Social Apex Media and…
Boulevard building outdoor ‘Yard’ space for added bar, patio capacity ahead of World Cup
Construction began Wednesday on a new second-story outdoor bar and patio space at Boulevard Brewing Co. — bridging the popular tourist and recreation destination to its nearby parking garage — with an early summer opening planned just in time for the world’s largest soccer tournament. “We’ve dreamed of having our own backyard hangout at the…
Transportant launches school bus stop arm camera to tag drivers who blow past students
The latest technology from a Kansas-based leader in school bus safety captures the license plates of law-breakers via full-color digital imaging that can be used to alert law enforcement officials who can then issue citations and hold drivers in violation accountable. The product launch from Transportant comes during a time of expansion for the Lenexa…
Strategy for boosting KC economic mobility: graduating twice and stackable credentials
A just-released strategic plan aims to increase college attainment for Kansas Citians from low income high schools by 10 points to 23 percent by 2030, outlining an education access effort that doubles as an economic roadmap for a region in mid-transformation. Supported by a grant from the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation, KCCAN unveiled…