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
Pipeline unveils first-ever double cohort in bid to develop region’s next great serial entrepreneur
Twenty-five founders are entering the Pipeline network this week, Melissa Vincent said Thursday, revealing the newest additions to its elite fellowship, as well as the just-debuted Pathfinder cohort for earlier-stage, underserved entrepreneurs.... Read more
Premiere: In the span of 11 minutes, you’ll watch one entrepreneur fight for his life (and win)
DJ Stewart beat the odds — and his prognosis — in a health battle chronicled by friend and Kansas City filmmaker Ryan Lovell. The intimate documentary they created together premieres today. “Rare Enough” captures Stewart at his most raw during t... Read more
PlaBook to compete for $1M in prizes at world’s largest pitch competition for edtech startups
Fresh off its selection to Pipeline’s latest fellowship, a Kansas City edtech startup is now set to compete at The Elite 200 as a semifinalist in The GSV Cup — representing top pre-seed and seed stage startups in digital learning across the “Pr... Read more
Bash crashers: Airbnb stopped 1,700 suspected parties in KC amid 2021 variant surges
Airbnb’s ban on booking spots for house parties prevented hundreds of spreader events across Kansas City — especially impactful over holiday weekends known disruptive behavior, the company said Friday. First introduced in summer 2020 to prioriti... Read more