How Epigraph visualizes AR changing the way you see the world during (and years after) COVID
There’s no way around it, Jasper Mullarney said: Augmented reality is the future — and it’s going to impact the way users of everything from iPhones to laptops engage with technology. “We see a shift from the dominant screen being in your... Read more
A maker reality TV series is transforming Travis Kelce’s gift to KC into a ‘fan experience’ on Troost
While the Kansas City Chiefs run it back on the field — the impact of superstar tight end Travis Kelce continues to be felt through a new partnership with Make48. Kelce’s ongoing work with Operation Breakthrough will see the non-profit realize... Read more
Body of artwork: Birdies’ Peregrine Honig sketches business artistry from Crossroads lingerie shop
A global pandemic has far from caged artist-turned-entrepreneur Peregrine Honig. Her creativity helped perch the Crossroads lingerie shop she founded within a market the ongoing economic downturn couldn’t cover. “Liquor and lingerie do great whe... Read more
Effort to grow startup capital for Black-owned businesses: Our work in KC has just begun
A nonprofit that’s raised more than a quarter million dollars in eight months to provide grants to Black small business owners says a diverse range of Kansas City entrepreneurs already has asked for help — and their needs go beyond the obvious.... Read more
Verizon dials into ShotTracker’s 5G potential, leading $11M financing round for veteran startup
One of Kansas City’s most celebrated startups is getting a boost as a new $11 million financing round led by Verizon Ventures and Evertz Technologies Limited takes the court. Funding is expected to support accelerated product deployment across N... Read more
Pickleball pickup: Why KC’s top small business is launching JustPaddles amid sports slowdown
Pro Athlete’s secret to success: going against the grain, Andrew Dowis said. “We’re known to do things that aren’t the norm,” said Dowis, who serves as the CEO of Pro Athlete. “I think that’s why we pursued JustPaddles [during the COVID-19 pand... Read more
Worker wearables startup Kenzen earns $1M capital injection from Fenaroli-led Overland Park investor
Kansas City-worn Kenzen is rolling into 2021 with new funding and partnerships pushing the wearables startup into overdrive. The company announced a $1 million injection of funding from Overland Park-based Examinetics — a portfolio company of N... Read more
KC business survey: Entrepreneurs increasingly confident in full recovery from pandemic
Business owners are feeling more optimistic about the future of their companies, according to a survey of 236 businesses and nonprofits newly released by the Greater Kansas City Area Chamber of Commerce. “By nature, entrepreneurs and small busin... Read more
In a world disrupted, entrepreneurs are leading the charge — remaking their communities in the image of innovation and meeting a rising demand for solutions to real-world problems. The future newsmakers assembled as part of Startland News’ Kans... Read more
Actress-entrepreneur finds sweet inspiration, resiliency in life’s unexpected ingredients
From the stage to the studio to a sweets shop on Main Street, the creative talents of Shawna Peña-Downing have never let her down, she said, crediting her resiliency to a STEAM-focused education. “I finally got a job after being laid off in June... Read more