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
Mr K finalist reveal: Meet the 10 contenders for KC Chamber’s Small Business of the Year
The KC Chamber just announced the 10 finalists for its prestigious 2025 Small Business of the Year honor — setting the stage for a two-month campaign for selected entrepreneurs that ends this summer with one company crowned the Mr. K Award winner. “Small businesses remain the driving force of Kansas City’s economy, and we couldn’t…
USDA approves KC biotech startup’s secret weapon in the fight against cancer in dogs
Full USDA approval of a Kansas City startup’s bone cancer therapy for dogs reflects a more-than-decade-long commitment to improving the lives of pets and their families, said Tammie Wahaus, CEO of ELIAS Animal Health. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Center for Veterinary Biologics recently approved the first-in-class ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy (ECI) treatment for canine osteosarcoma…
KC’s FairWave coffee pours into the Carolinas with latest small-batch roaster acquisition
Joining Midwest-based coffee collective FairWave gives Black & White Coffee Roasters access to the enhanced equipment, resources and network needed to scale the North Carolina business to its potential — while staying true to its values, said Kyle Ramage. “It’s a natural progression that will allow us to build upon our existing foundation and reach…
StartupNWA opens access to Northwest Arkansas ‘VC Immersions’ for Kansas City founders
SPRINGDALE, Arkansas — A program designed to connect entrepreneurs with top-tier venture capitalists — offering access to critical funding, mentorship and the essential relationships needed to secure investor support — is now accepting Kansas City applicants. It’s all about lowering barriers to capital, said Serafina Lalany, executive director of StartupNWA, an initiative of the Northwest…