Startups Stories

Christopher Oppenhuis, Marcell Coffee Projects

Barrel-aged blends: One of KC’s hottest new roasts comes steeped in local libations 

Something bolder is steeping on the Kansas City coffee scene — pairing one of the metro’s most experienced roasters with a leader in local liquor.  “People have been really interested in [blended beverages] around here,” said Christopher Oppenhuis, founder of Marcell Coffee Projects — the year-old private label roasting operation that helps keep a slew of…

Michael De Vincenzi, Peter McClung and Jeremey Charbonnet, The Jump

More social, less media: KC startup launching platform with no ads, algorithms or addiction

As the Digital Age flourishes with hundreds of millions of people on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and other social media platforms, Grandview-based The Jump hopes to change the culture behind news and user feeds. The pitch: Create a healthier, positive place online where people can bond over common interests and form authentic relationships, said Peter McClung. …

Nate Morsches, CEO and co-founder, Restaurant, Pub & Games (RPG)

Pitch Perfect expands bootcamp to a dozen startups: Meet the capital-raising cohort

Going virtual because of COVID-19 concerns might limit in-person interactions during the Pitch Perfect bootcamp, said Kathryn Golden, but it allows the seventh cohort to double its size and potential impact on growing startups. “We finally came to accept that moving ahead online — while not ideal — was important,” said Golden, director of entrepreneur…

Al Davis Memorial Torch, photo courtesy of Dimensional Innovations

Dimensional Innovations’ 93-foot Raiders stadium torch could be world’s tallest 3D-printed structure

Kansas City burned brightly during “Monday Night Football” this week, sharing the spotlight as the Las Vegas Raiders notched an early season victory over the New Orleans Saints. Viewers watched Monday as the National Football League’s broadcast unveiled a closely-guarded secret: the completed Al Davis Memorial Torch — a 93-foot, 3D-printed structure built by Overland…

Good Bitter Best

Fund Me, KC: Good Bitter Best hopes to mix cocktails with community, pivots to add virtual bartender

Startland News is continuing its “Fund Me, KC” series to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs — like Jennifer Agnew’s Good Bitter Best campaign — to share their crowdfunding stories to gain a little help from their supporters. Who are you? I am Jennifer Agnew, public school…