Putting rival energy drinks to bed: Superfood Shot launches three new flavors after doubling Amazon sales
With sales at an all-time high for Life Equals — the maker of Balance The Superfood Shot — expanding into other areas of wellness was a natural next step, Kyle FitzGerald said, emphasizing a new blend that rivals less healthy energy drinks. “We... Read more
Investors swarm to TripleBlind’s $8.2M rapid seed round as ‘deep tech’ changes face of privacy
An oversubscribed $8.2 million seed round means one thing for Kansas City-based TripleBlind: its data privacy solution is of critical importance, the rapidly scaling startup announced Monday. Its slate of new and returning investors agree. “Trip... Read more
KC record label sees stage lights, live music ahead — after year of virtual shows rings flat
Local recording artists continue to hold notes of perseverance as the COVID-19 pandemic settles into its second year; one Patrick Sprehe hopes will carry a different tune for Kansas City’s talent-rich music scene. “The pandemic really dampers o... Read more
Kauffman Foundation’s new plan for American entrepreneurs demands inclusive growth
Editor’s note: The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a financial sponsor of Startland News. While a stimulus plan being debated by Congress includes funding to stabilize existing business — it’s not enough, the Start Us Up coalition said Tuesd... Read more
New CEO deepening PlanIT Impact’s mission to help design a carbon-neutral built environment
A startup veteran and architecture industry expert is now leading day-to-day operations for one of Kansas City’s Top Venture Capital-Backed firms, shaping the company’s expanded footprint under a new presidential administration as its founder sh... Read more
How early-stage Missouri tech startups could score co-investment funds up to $500K
One of Kansas City startups’ biggest boosters is still in business, despite its imperiled state funding amid ongoing COVID-era budget decision-making. The Missouri Technology Corporation announced this week it’s accepting applications for two ID... Read more
Why one KC woodworker says he won’t let ‘anything short of the best’ ship out his River Market door
Matt Castilleja’s River Market furniture business ships sculptural and elemental pieces from coast-to-coast — often surprising high-end customers and design fans with the craftsman’s firmly planted Kansas City roots, said Castilleja. “People wou... Read more
‘A critical lifeline’: EDCKC grants $80K to Black-led non-profits impacted by COVID-19
Relief grants from a leading economic development initiative are as much about building momentum as surviving the pandemic, said Nika Cotton, emphasizing Troost as a good place to start. Cotton, owner of the Soulcentricitea tea shop at 30th Stre... Read more
Black and bookish: Founder hopes to turn pop-up page, eyeing coffee and book shop on KC’s east side
Jahna Riley loves the atmosphere of coffee shops. Connecting with others over coffee and a good book is a personal joy, she said, noting one glaring exception in most shops: inclusivity. “Kansas City has an amazing coffee scene, but it’s not n... Read more
Sneak Peek: See how Bar K’s new site builds on its KC pedigree with indoor dog park, doggy daycare
When Bar K’s second location opens in the fall, the popular play place for dogs will be ready if another frigid winter is in the forecast, said co-founder Leib Dodell, teasing details of a new 10,000-square-foot indoor dog park at the St. Louis... Read more