MADE MOBB’s growing footprint in Kansas City isn’t because of luck, said Mark Launiu, as the streetwear apparel company plans to open its third retail location in July. “If I’m honest with you, this is hard. It’s a lot of work to push the brand... Read more
Teaming up with America’s car clubs is driving a local community change effort to a nationwide scale, said Chris Harris. “I don’t want to stop here,” said Harris, owner and operator of the Harris Park Midtown Sports and Activities Center — offic... Read more
KC’s woman-led startups selected for global summit; founders credit hustle, persistence
What started as an opportunity to meet interesting people and showcase innovative ideas to investors has turned into a once-in-a-lifetime shot at elevating five of Kansas City’s women-led startups on an international stage, said Shea Geist, beam... Read more
Kansas City-based Boddle Learning is filling with steam as the startup gains momentum and joins the AT&T-fronted Aspire accelerator, Clarence Tan revealed Wednesday. “When we found out we were finalists, we were super, super happy,” Tan, fou... Read more
A Tampa-based venture capital firm run by three brothers sees investing in Kansas City’s PayIt as part of its long-term strategy. Weatherford Capital first backed PayIt in 2016, through a $4.5 million Series A round led by New York-based Advanta... Read more
Kansas City should be home to second chances, hope, and opportunities, said Johnny Waller Jr. “Kansas City has a rich history of uniting behind its citizens for the common good of its people and that’s what this event is,” said Waller, co-founde... Read more
Kansas City can step onto the runway as a fashion-forward city with the right education and attention, said Jennifer Lapka. Rightfully Sewn’s third annual fashion designer professional development seminar returns Saturday. With its attendance gr... Read more
Rise Up, Get Started competition set to award $1,500 grants; showcase paths from prison to founder
“We took someone’s car at gunpoint,” recalled Marcus Bullock. “It was about a week after my 15th birthday. I was 15 years old and I trembled at the thought of — not a judge —but to be honest, because I had to stand in front of a phone and... Read more
Bungii ‘circles the wagons,’ sending its truck drivers to aid Linwood tornado survivors
One of Kansas City’s top startups dropped its tailgates this week to help Kansans ravaged by a violent twister. “The damage and injuries suffered because of the storms were outside of everybody’s control, but how we react and how our commu... Read more
Signing off his live broadcast, Los Angeles Angels broadcaster Victor Rojas receives a phone call. A fresh order of prints — featuring Hank Aaron’s “755” — have just shipped. The Overland Park native’s apparel startup, Big Fly Gear, has be... Read more