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
Lula passes elite network’s pressure testing, advancing to final hurdle before full Endeavor access
Advancing through Endeavor Heartland’s national selection process not only gets Kansas City-built property maintenance platform Lula one step away from joining Endeavor's global entrepreneur network, said founder Bo Lais; it helps put the venture’s hometown on a bigger stage.
Topeka startup backers launch ‘Golden Ticket’ to lab space in just-opened incubator
One winning startup is expected to receive a full year of free lab space at Topeka’s LINK Innovation Lab — luring startup talent to the state-of-the-art startup incubator facility as the capital city ramps up its entrepreneurial support infrastructure.
Mr K winner sipped deeply with community; now it’s savoring Small Business of the Year accolades
Built at the crossroads of coffee and cultural placemaking, the KC Chamber’s just-announced Small Business of the Year has brewed more than a thriving family business — it’s a story steeped in creating space for the region’s Latin and Indigenous communities alongside incoming FIFA World Cup visitors.
KC-built startup brokers $18M funding round as benefitbay pushes market trends to the norm
A just-announced $18 million Series A round for benefitbay is more than just investor or market validation, said Brandy Thompson; it’s a signal that the solution she built in Kansas City is no longer part of a niche conversation with consultants and employers — too often requiring lengthy explanations about why the model matters.
Get in the game: World Cup match lights opportunity (but only if a risk-taker is willing to strike)
“FIFA isn’t thinking about Kansas City’s legacy. That’s up to us,” said Rich Chungong, a serial tech founder and cryptocurrency enthusiast who turned his attention to community organizing around the World Cup once it became clear leaders needed to step up.
Closing time: KC nixes 23-hour drinking plan for World Cup; select bars, restaurants can stay open until 5 am
“The ordinance expands opportunity for our businesses while ensuring the police department, first responders, and the City have the tools to keep residents and visitors safe," Mayor Quinton Lucas said.
Mahomes: Being a mother, entrepreneur and investor is more than a balancing act; it’s a power move
“We talk a lot about setting an example for the next generation, and as a mom, my goal isn't for my daughters and my son to see women's leadership as an inspiration," said Brittany Mahomes. "I want them to see women in positions of power and leadership as the norm."
Resonus earns MTC investment, vote of confidence as startup accelerates its go-to-market plans
A Kansas City govtech startup is among eight Missouri innovators selected to receive a share of $6.1 million in equity-based investments from MTC’s state-sponsored venture capital program, the agency announced Tuesday.
Maria Meyers is passing the blueprint to KC’s ecosystem; it doesn’t come with a magic wand
“In an environment that is constantly changing and evolving, learning from each other is just part of the fabric of crafting something bigger and better," said Maria Meyers.
Regnier, Bloch family foundations invest $3M in UMKC venture challenge, resources
A just-announced $3 million gift is expected to transform UMKC’s flagship venture creation challenge — empowering new waves of student entrepreneurs — as well as enhance free business resources for local founders and builders. The Regnier Family Foundation and Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation partnered on the investment to create new opportunities for students and…