Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Victor Hwang is the outgoing vice president of entrepreneurship at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Click here to read more about his planned departure from th... Read more
Pivoting back to a full-time franchise hustle: ‘Worst thing you can do is stop,’ Yogurtini owner says
Running a franchise can require as much passion and perseverance as any other entrepreneurial endeavor — including those in the startup space, said Isaac Collins. Would-be business owners shouldn’t get caught up in the jargon of what is and isn’... Read more
Top universities, incentives lure online pet supplements startup to brick-and-mortar operation in an unexpected metro
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
LaunchKC, Brush Creek unveil InsureTech accelerator led by longtime startup advocate
The latest LaunchKC-powered industry accelerator aims to bring a new wave of technology Kansas City’s insurance community, said Nathan Kurtz. “There’s a rich heritage of insurance in Kansas City,” said Kurtz, COO of Brush Creek Partners, a... Read more
Novel Growth announces new $12M+ fund, expansion to Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis
An oversubscribed first fund for Novel Growth Partners will help the Kansas City-based financing firm expand its tech investments in Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis. With more than $12 million banked for the fund, Novel is poised to use its... Read more
Economic momentum in the Kansas City region has never been stronger — no matter which side of the state line a business operates, Gerald Smith said. A colorful pair of murals now splash that reality across two of the veteran entrepreneur’s Plexp... Read more
Boddle scores $25K AT&T Aspire audience award thanks to tough love on duo’s most difficult pitch
Just because a pitch is tough doesn’t mean it won’t payoff, said Clarence Tan. “Smiles will take you miles,” Tan, CEO and cofounder of Boddle Learning, said of his and co-founder Edna Martinson’s latest pitch at the AT&T Pitches and Purpose... Read more
H&R Block plans $3.5M in KC investments to combat social isolation, boost entrepreneurs
H&R Block filed its intentions Thursday to contribute $6.5 million over the next five years to support neighborhood revitalization and the success of small businesses nationally — with $3.5 million slated specifically for Kansas City. “Make... Read more
Ben Jackson named to Forbes’ ‘30 Under 30’ list, capping year of growth, accolades for Bungii
Building something cool requires doing a lot of uncool things — tasks and tactics most people are unwilling to undertake, said Ben Jackson. “The daily grind isn’t glamorous and it’s not fun,” said Jackson, co-founder of Overland Park-headquarter... Read more
Fund Me, KC: My Bear Jeff spreads comfort to child trauma survivors, bear to bear
Startland News is continuing its “Fund Me, KC” series to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs — like Rachel Cohen with her My Bear Jeff campaign — to share the... Read more