A well-muscled funding round is expected to help Lenexa-based Vytelle expand its global operations after having already scaled the agtech startup’s breakthrough in vitro fertilization, data capture, and AI-driven genetics tech to be easily... Read more
Founder to founder: One day you’re eating cheap ramen, the next you’re KC’s big exit story; struggles define startups as much as success
Even after building a startup into one of Kansas City’s biggest exit success stories, the entrepreneurs and leaders behind BacklotCars don’t sit around to talk about their grand achievements when they reunite, said Anders Ericson; they reminisce... Read more
Kelce Jam set for April 28: KC’s favorite tight-end is bringing a new music festival in time for NFL Draft weekend
The celebration continues, said Travis Kelce, announcing Tuesday his first-ever personal music festival — Kelce Jam — on the heels of the star Chiefs player’s Super Bowl victory alongside Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid and the two-time championship... Read more
Blerdy for 30: KC comic creator’s documentary takes Black nerd culture from niche to your screen
A recently launched Kansas City entertainment company hopes to become the digital epicenter of “Blerd” — shorthand for Black nerd — content, said Brandon Calloway. Now the founder of Blerd TV, Calloway debuted the Blerd YouTube channel in Januar... Read more
KC Pioneers to their visiting Aussie players: Feel what it’s like to have an entire city behind you
Playing professional esports has given 17-year-old Ethan Klumpp an opportunity to travel the world; Kansas City has been one of the most livable cities he’s visited yet, he shared. “My experience in Kansas City, it’s different from the other U.S... Read more
Ryan Wager isn’t just renting out classic cars with his new startup, he shared, he’s loaning out memories. North Kansas City-based RND — launched earlier this year — allows community members and visitors to take classic, RND-restored cars — like... Read more
16 small businesses in 60 seconds: Did you spot your favorite entrepreneur in the Royals’ new campaign?
It’s a new season, but longtime connections fly deep into the outfield for the Kansas City Royals and a fandom that’s supported them for decades. Among those most impacted: entrepreneurs whose stories run along the same baseline as the champions... Read more
Just funded: Four new Digital Sandbox KC companies scaling products beyond survival mode
Freshly announced funding from Digital Sandbox KC is expected to help four Kansas City startups scale their innovations to market with additional access to investors, resources and a growing network of fellow entrepreneurs. Among the first-quart... Read more
Kharissa Parker is a news producer, writer, certified health coach, and columnist for Startland News. For more of her self-care tips on how to keep your cup full, visit kparker.co. If there’s anything to be said about Millennials and Gen Z, it’s... Read more
Their joyful art began with pom poms, but Bubble Gum Kurt’s upcycled expression won’t be boxed in
Infusing their work with plenty of color and a DIY approach, Kansas City artist Kurt Ryan weaves their identity into each craft, article of clothing, and piece of jewelry they sell. Ryan’s creates their work as Bubble Gum Kurt, and through their... Read more


























