Five KC startups find home, validation in Techstars 2021 class; Up next: new markets
Joining the latest class of Techstars Kansas City is expected to help startups like afloat scale what’s worked in Kansas City into other markets, said Sarah-Allen Preston, founder of a KC gift-sending app that connects users’ social circle... Read more
Editor’s note: Give Black and Kansas City GIFT are non-financial partners of Startland, the parent organization of Startland News. This story was produced independently by Startland News’ non-profit newsroom. A newly launched campaig... Read more
A Kansas City nonprofit leader is among the inaugural “changemakers” selected for a $50,000 grant as part of Triscuit’s $1 million commitment to its Missing Ingredients Project. Maxfield Kaniger, CEO and founder of Kanbe’s Markets, was announced... Read more
Decades before Thundergong, KC stars crafted comedy at what’s now a neighborhood coworking space
Editor’s note: The following story is sponsored by Plexpod, a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes. Nostalgia for the 1990s hit Billy Brimble... Read more
Culture made First Fridays life-changing, duo says; now MADE MOBB is bringing back the block party
MADE MOBB is reopening an era of live music and local vendors Friday — hoping to revive a Crossroads tradition silenced when its community was forced to disconnect and retreat indoors. “Come outside, baby!” Mark Launiu exclaimed ahead of Friday’... Read more
‘Resilient’ KC keeps adding jobs: How local tech companies can retain top talent amid hiring frenzy
Kansas City is adding tech jobs at a rapid pace, Kara Lowe said, but local companies would be wise to remember they aren’t the only ones hiring as the workforce redefines the geography of and need for high-density tech hubs. “Say you’re ca... Read more
KC’s only Black-owned book shop — forced to find a new home — hits crowdfunding goal in just a few days
More than 3,000 books and records surrounded Willa Robinson as her eyes danced between decades of knowledge and culture gathered in her neighborhood shop, Willa’s Books and Vinyl — the only Black-owned brick-and-mortar book store in Kansas City.... Read more
KC-built game simulates segregation, racism with one way to ‘win’: disrupt, destroy white supremacy
Developing a game that sparks meaningful conversations on systematic racism requires nuance and balance, Nathaniel Bozarth explained, noting the goal is to create an emotional impact while not causing harm to the player. “It’s tough because you... Read more
Why Swell Spark founders needed a business breakup to keep the startup (and their friendship) moving forward
Matt Baysinger and Ryan Henrich pedalled 100 miles over Utah’s rocky terrain as a milestone marker in the duo’s relationship — exiting a business partnership and riding ahead on a tight, decades-long friendship, Baysinger shared. “You hear time... Read more
Top young startups, makers, woman-owned companies vie for ‘Emerging Business’ honors
More than a dozen startups and small businesses are now finalists for the Kansas City chamber’s Emerging Business Award, vying for recognition amid a field of promising homegrown contenders. Among them: two of Startland News’ Kansas City Startup... Read more