Paperboy to tech founder: How Jake Seaton returned to Kansas to help save the family business (and local news)
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, w... Read more
Meal donation app comes to KC: How the phone-eats-first foodie photo trend can help fight hunger
People are already taking photos of their food — why not donate to food banks at the same time, Andrew Glantz proposed. “GiftAMeal is a free mobile app; each time someone takes a photo of their order from one of our partner restaurants, we make... Read more
Beyond brownies: Chef turns to creativity-infused edibles; bake shop’s high blunted by social media blackout
When James Ryan’s mother holds a piece of paper, it trembles lightly in her hands. “Helping her is what got me going,” Ryan said, opening up about the experience of his mother, Linda San Juan, with a mild neurological condition, and ways it pus... Read more
Not all entrepreneurs wear capes: Chamber’s ‘Superstars’ campaign unmasks heroes of KC business scene
A critical need is driving changes to one of Kansas City’s longest-running annual business events: support for every small business — no matter their scale or the neighborhoods in which they belong. “This is a time like no other,” explained Vi... Read more
Building to billions: Inside KC’s premier esports team’s vision to reboot entertainment, game the future
All eyes were on the Kansas City Pioneers this weekend, as the esports gamers logged more than 500,000 viewers across various streaming platforms during a series of matches against some of the biggest competitors in the world. “In just one match... Read more
Can a KC tech duo travel the world without leaving a trace? Follow their journey on YouTube
What started as a duo’s journey for purposeful adventure quickly turned into a mission to educate and advocate for sustainable travel, Dimarco Barea and Scott Hanson shared. “In 2020, Scott [Hanson] and I were both in this really interesting spa... Read more
One beat closer to becoming ‘Urban Disney’: Healthy Hip Hop wins $500K bid from Dallas school district
More than 70,000 Texas students soon will be singing and dancing along to Healthy Hip Hop’s children’s music platform after the Kansas City startup finalized a $500,000 contract in the Lone Star State, said Roy Scott. “It’s a huge deal for us,”... Read more
Rooted in growth: WallyGro launches à la carte plants after its ‘year of new products’
Fulfilling a long-awaited request from customers, WallyGro — a Kansas City company known for its innovative hanging planters — announced Friday it launched its first line of à la carte plants, said Callie England. “This past year the demand was:... Read more
Checking out at home? Hotel Kansas City launches in-room remote working (and an exclusive KC bourbon)
One of Kansas City’s newest luxury hotels is ringing the service bell on a mid-pandemic professional getaway option, unpacking a plan to fill empty rooms with remote workers looking for a break in their COVID-19-restricted routines. And maybe a... Read more
Expanded Techstars role means more eyes on KC, Lesa Mitchell says; accelerator returns in June
Lesa Mitchell’s promotion within Techstars — a Boulder, Colorado-based accelerator network with global reach — is a value-add for Kansas City, she said Monday. The outgoing managing director of Techstars’ local program also teased the popular ac... Read more