News Stories
Why an interactive digital business card could replace LinkedIn for startup, small business leaders
People want to get their foot in the door, Jess Phillips said, laying out her plan for a newly launched social media platform that opens professional connections with an insightful twist: an interactive digital business card offering data on who visits and why. Free of the awkward sales pitches and forced conversations that often come…
KC startup’s sale charges strategy as battery innovator plugs into century-old tech firm
A Massachusetts tech company’s strategy to advance into new clean energy markets is now electrified thanks to the completed acquisition of Grandview-based Spear Power Systems — a leader in next generation battery storage systems for demanding land, sea and air applications. “The acquisition of Spear Power Systems enables us to deliver more comprehensive energy storage…
Gary floral design blooms along ‘upside-down’ path as founder pivots from camper pop-up
Even when a side hustle grows organically, it still takes a creative mind to arrange a meaningful and worthwhile venture, said Jessi Levine, whose drive to pay homage to her father led to an eye-catching floral design business. The journey to her subscription floral service has been admittedly “upside down,” she said. From the outside,…
Shop small: Five holiday hacks for supporting KC makers without leaving home
Editor’s note: Startland News explored its 2021 archive of most-popular maker stories — as well as looking at the creatives behind its own T-shirt campaign — as part of the newsroom’s five-part holiday gift guide. These items are all available online now. Featured stores, makers and products were not asked to pay to be included…









