Funding Stories

Ryan Manning, Bad Rhino Studios

Bad Rhino wants to build, not exit (so investors aren’t playing): Why the fast-paced KC studio hopes to rewrite the game

Midwest investors need to familiarize themselves with the potential waiting to play within the video game industry, said Ryan Manning, noting they otherwise risk losing out on major opportunities. “I don’t mind having those conversations and educating the parties involved,” said Manning, the founder of Bad Rhino Studios. “I think the biggest reason things need…

Maxfield Kaniger Kanbe's Markets; photo courtesy of Kanbe's Markets

Max Kaniger, Kanbe’s Markets named ‘changemaker’ by Triscuit, earning $50K grant

A Kansas City nonprofit leader is among the inaugural “changemakers” selected for a $50,000 grant as part of Triscuit’s $1 million commitment to its Missing Ingredients Project. Maxfield Kaniger, CEO and founder of Kanbe’s Markets, was announced for the honor Tuesday with funds expected to support Kanbe’s unique and innovative community-based micro market program, which…

Fund Me, KC: It’s more than a card game; Parkville woman channels inner Philosopher to evolve humanity

Startland News is continuing its “Fund Me, KC” series to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses or lend a helping hand to others. This is an opportunity for business owners — like Parkville creator Loni Louise Bernard with her Philosopher game — to share their crowdfunding stories and potentially gain backing from new…

Give Black campaign for Black-run businesses, orgs eyes $80K goal by Juneteenth

Editor’s note: Give Black and Kansas City GIFT are non-financial partners of Startland, the parent organization of Startland News. This story was produced independently by Startland News’ non-profit newsroom. A newly launched campaign intended to back Black-owned businesses needs widespread community support to make the most impact, Brandon Calloway said, shedding light on why eight…

Willa Robinson, Willa’s Books and Vinyl

KC’s only Black-owned book shop — forced to find a new home — hits crowdfunding goal in just a few days

More than 3,000 books and records surrounded Willa Robinson as her eyes danced between decades of knowledge and culture gathered in her neighborhood shop, Willa’s Books and Vinyl — the only Black-owned brick-and-mortar book store in Kansas City.  “Opening a store hadn’t been in my plans. I’m a collector, but then collecting got out of…