Why this KC esports startup is betting on a gambling app to scale into new NFT, cryptocurrency levels
The Kansas City Pioneers became the first professional esports organization to step into the head-to-head gaming and gambling sphere thanks to its pairing with PLLAY Labs — an AI-based wagering platform. “We see this partnership as a tremendous... Read more
First bite of Tyler Shane: This spicy new pairing with Westport favorite Café Corazón has cacao lovers going nuts
‘I want people to sit down and really have a moment with their chocolate’ When Tyler Shane bites into a piece of chocolate, all of her senses come alive to fully indulge in the experience. “Food, for me, is almost like a religious ex... Read more
Splitting time between student, entrepreneur lives earns Splitsy co-founder top UMKC honor
Recognition as UMKC’s Student Entrepreneur of the Year is a reminder that innovators often begin early, said Brad Starnes, one of Kansas City’s most-talked-about emerging young startup founders. “When I was about 8 years old, I submitted a drawi... Read more
‘Everybody at TripleBlind is better than me,’ founder says as top startup’s global team firewalls groupthink
Startup companies are on a continual mission to create, define and own the category in which they operate within, Riddhiman Das noted, and to do so — startup founders must build a proficient team. “If you’re not the category-defining company, t... Read more
DC-based lobbying group for entrepreneurs names former Pipeline leader as new leader
A fresh face joining the helm of a leading lobbying organization for entrepreneurs is expected to bring Midwest perspective and representation to the fight to create more jobs through the innovation economy. Joni Cobb, the founding president and... Read more
C2FO closes $140M funding round amid record growth, expanded focus on underserved companies
Editor’s note: C2FO is a financial supporter of Startland News’ nonprofit newsroom. Kansas City fintech powerhouse C2FO grows best when it’s accelerating access to capital for those traditionally underserved by the banking industry,... Read more
Retro-inspired activewear brought this stay-at-home mom out of isolation; why it’s go-go time for Molly Heise’s budding business
Molly Heise’s earliest memories go back to playing marbles on her great-grandma’s avocado-colored shag carpet, captivated by the various floral patterns that surrounded her, she recalled. Today, those memories inspire her personal style and acti... Read more
Wichita support org for startups lands nearly $1M in funding — including $300K in Kauffman backing
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
They fought to end Lee’s Summit’s neon ban; now they’re relighting a grinning, spinning Katz face in KC
How a Lee’s Summit duo is reviving eye-catching signs of KC’s past The iconic face of Katz Drug Store — the famed retail operation that grew from the streets of Kansas City to eventually become CVS — is set to return to its hometown... Read more
Missouri wants to match investors’ funds for promising young startups; founders have until Monday to apply
A pair of competitive startup funding programs backed by the State of Missouri are poised to boost companies with Show Me potential, said Jack Scatizzi as the deadline rapidly nears for this year’s IDEA Funds. “We invest both state and fed... Read more