Startups Stories

Max Kaniger, Kanbe's Markets

UMKC contest awards $35K+ to winners, feeds student-community innovation

One startup’s winnings from Friday’s Regnier Venture Creation Challenge are expected to have a near-immediate, tangible impact on Kansas City — helping Kanbe’s Markets provide produce in one of its corner markets for an entire year. “This means that about 4,500 people will have consistent access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food on Kansas City’s…

Maria Flynn, Orbis Biosciences

Orbis exits: East Coast pharmaceutical firm acquires Lenexa biotech company

Injecting a Kansas startup into its global efforts will help New Jersey-based Adare Pharmaceuticals boost its core business and strengthen in-roads into animal health and over-the-counter (OTC) markets, the companies said Monday. Orbis Biosciences’ acquisition was finalized Thursday for an undisclosed amount. The startup — which focuses on licensing its technology to companies to optimize their…

Mayor’s ‘lifeline’ arrives: EDCKC opens applications for small biz relief fund pledged by Lucas

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Funds from a small business relief loan program teased by KCMO Mayor…

OYO Fitness team: Nick Bolton, fitness director; Paul Francis, founder and CEO; Sonya Andrews, art director; Graham Ripple, chief operations officer; Marcus Sy, manufacturing director (not pictured)

OYO Fitness set a $30K goal for pre-sales — they’ve passed $1M in just a week

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Fresh innovation is working out for OYO Fitness, as the Kansas City-based…

Carlos Rivera Jr., Str8 Edge Barber Shop

Dollars out, impact rolls in: $1M deployed from KC’s COVID-19 relief fund, AltCap says

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Just weeks after applications opened, a relief fund intended for Kansas City’s…