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
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…
Baseball every day: Here’s how Royals’ new ballpark pitch could changeup Crown Center (and KC spirit)
Renderings only tell part of the story, said Don Hall Jr., describing a new ballpark district at Crown Center that not only is home to the Kansas City Royals, but feels like an inviting community asset even during the off-season.
Royals plan adds Hallmark’s crown to downtown ballpark: ‘Kansas City’s forever’
A partnership unveiled Wednesday would use billions in private investment and economic development dollars to bring Royals baseball to Crown Center — creating an 85-acre development surrounding a park-like central square with fountains.
Kauffman funds 46 more project, research grants; many boosting early entrepreneurship
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation recently announced its latest tranche grantees, investing in community-centered solutions that dovetail with its strategic focus on college access and completion, workforce and career development, and entrepreneurship.