Startups Stories

WeWork Lightwell

First look: WeWork Lightwell illuminates space for growing teams downtown (Photos)

Despite national headlines that question WeWork’s staying power, a second Kansas City location signals light at the end of the tunnel for the coworking giant.  “The expectation of the workforce is changing,” Erik Wullschleger, WeWork community director, explained during a Startland News tour of the newly opened space, which occupies the third and fourth floors…

Pro Athlete

Beyond just bats: Pro Athlete takes a swing at apparel, innovation with its first acquisition

Whether a company has just left the bench or been in the game for more than 30 years, the key to innovation is simple: maintain a startup mentality and growth is sure to follow, said Andrew Dowis.  “One of our core values is embracing innovation,” explained Dowis, CEO of Pro Athlete — a Kansas City-grown…

ScaleUP! KC unveils cohort packed with 17 entrepreneurs, backed by new leader

A 10th cohort for ScaleUP! Kansas City continues the program’s five-year legacy of helping entrepreneurs scale a diverse array of companies, the effort’s new leader said. “This program demonstrates over and over that you can not only start a business in Kansas City, but also that you can get all the tools, coaching, perspective and…

Brent EuDaly, Detour Goods

Post-exit detour takes founder on a journey back to a time before plastic ruled the world

Living as determined “plastic haters,” the husband-and-wife duo behind Detour Goods craft wooden toys as a callback to higher-quality manufacturing and a time before entertainment was dominated by technology.  “I think we’re living in a day and age where we’re just so addicted and connected to our screens,” said Jordan EuDaly, co-owner of the Kansas…

Union Station, Kansas City

Startups, offices in path of Chiefs parade closing to party amid travel concerns

A long-awaited parade and rally celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory is set to snarl traffic across the metro Wednesday, shutting down much of the city’s downtown-to-midtown business districts — rippling across a startup community eager to join in the fanfare. Set for 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, the parade is expected to draw more…