News Stories
Off to college (towns): Axe throwing, mini golf set for Manhattan, Lawrence as Swell Spark expands at home
Swell Spark is once again expanding its locations, but this time Matt Baysinger and his team are scaling into smaller markets in the founder’s home state of Kansas. Swell Spark — a Kansas City-based entertainment company that creates shared experiences through escape rooms, axe throwing and indoor mini golf — is set to open a…
Athletes to angels: Startup player switches teams, leaving his venture to help connect founders to capital
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. WICHITA — As a fellow founder, Jacob O’Connor can offer empathy in his new role within the NXTUS angel investor syndicate, he shared. After graduating from Wichita State University in…
It’s cannabis trusted by top athletes: How this CBD brand’s KC leader fit everyday wellness with UFC, Crossfit, Royals
A Kansas City-based entrepreneur wants to prove how everyone — from athletes to individuals suffering from chronic health conditions — can benefit from CBD, he said. Dan Huerter, CEO of Pure Spectrum CBD, helped launch the organic phytocannabinoid company in 2016 after learning how CBD had benefited patients suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)…
Twice-exited serial entrepreneur joins Lawrence biotech firm as CEO
LAWRENCE — A Kansas biotechnology company has tapped a well-known founder to lead its innovative efforts to convert waste biomass into fuel for the earth — announcing Jason Tatge as the new CEO of PrairieFood. Tatge is a twice-exited startup leader, having previously led Farms Technology and Farmobile to acquisitions, and high-profile member of the…
Beer isn’t paint by numbers, it’s science: Why the art of brewing gets its own showcase at Innovation Festival
When Innovation Festival returns to Kansas City next week, the deep tech conference is set to highlight one popular group of makers who typically go unsung as scientists: brewers. Innovation Festival — Thursday, Aug. 3 through Saturday, Aug. 5 at Crown Center — is expected to showcase breweries during the conference’s final day, said Sonia…
