Techstars KC returns: Meet 10 startups bringing diverse solutions to the rebooted accelerator
The hotly anticipated Techstars Kansas City 2020 accelerator class features startups enabling greater transparency and access in healthcare, the food supply, and justice for all, said Lesa Mitchell. Two of the ventures are based in St. Louis. “W... Read more
Engineered to paint: When life provides a big canvas, use it all, tech-turned-artist says
Talent doesn’t always equal success in the art world — but that doesn’t mean creatives should lose hope, said Aaron Norris. “You have to be willing to grind. Day in and day out. Keep creating, keep sculpting, keep painting, keep sketching — and... Read more
Julep owner: KCMO liquor rules could drown bar-restaurants already struggling to reopen
As locally owned bars and restaurants start to reopen, a new threat to their success is emerging — city regulations designed in a pre-pandemic world. “There’s a lot of unintended consequences from these mandated shutdowns that need to be addres... Read more
Tesseract’s robot reveal: Wearable proximity trackers to keep workers at a safe distance
Kansas City-wired clip-on robots could make social distancing a second thought, as Tesseract Ventures shares its first mainstream product with the world. “This product exemplifies our mantra that there is nothing more human than technology and... Read more
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Rodney Sampson is founder of Atlanta-based Opportunity Hub, as well as OHUB’s Kansas City minority accelerator, OHUB.KC, which operates through a partnership with t... Read more
Kansas City has room for more than one female singer or artist, said Leah Watts. Focused on collaboration rather than competition, Women on the Rise aims the spotlight at an erroneous industry assumption shared by too many music executives, audi... Read more
Interest grows for at-home ultraviolet sterilization, urban farming amid prolonged pandemic
Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to... Read more
$26K in prizes: Sidelined students pitch entrepreneurial empathy in COVID-19 virtual competition
Editor’s note: STARTLAND is the parent organization of Startland News, though this report was produced independently by Startland News’ non-profit newsroom. The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a financial supporter of Startland News A month... Read more
Dart pedals more than a prototype: E-bikes as a route to equitable employment access
Free bus rides aren’t the only solution to a lack of equity in Kansas City’s transportation options, explained Thomas Murphy. “Only 18 percent of jobs here in the metro are available via 90-minute commute via public transit,” Murphy, co-founder... Read more
Drawing on deep familial ties to Kansas City entrepreneurship, 18-year-old Henry Accardo hopes to reduce stress and bring communities back together through shared passions — courtesy of a restored series of car shows as the metro begins to reope... Read more