Reluctant gym-goers help push KC’s OYO to $4.4M in pre-sales for latest home fitness device
A month after breaking records as the most-funded fitness product in Kickstarter history, the KC-created OYO Nova Gym closed its crowdfunding campaign with $4.4 million in pre-sales. “To say that it exceeded our expectations is a total understat... Read more
Wheyward Spirit is about mixing more than a tasty tonic, said Emily Darchuk, creator of a whey-based alcohol that uses the liquid byproduct of making dairy products for a sustainable sip. “We’re doing things differently for the right reasons in... Read more
Typically focused on in-person collaboration and interaction, coworking spaces are adapting to the realities of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic — and seeing some unexpected opportunities, said Gerald Smith. “Corporate inquiries just went through t... Read more
Marketing voice joins STARTLAND to amplify ecosystem builders’ impact, culture of innovation
A mainstay of the Kansas City creative scene hopes to compose messaging harmony as the new force behind STARTLAND’s events and marketing efforts. “One of my dreams is just to see people coming together and working — not really thinking about the... Read more
New party-goers every 15 minutes: How KC-designed Mixaba could put humanity back into happy hour
Andrew Carlson is the first to admit he isn’t the most vocal person at a party — but even he knew 30 people trying to talk over each other at a virtual happy hour isn’t the solution to socially distant socializing. “Right now everybody’s... Read more
TheraWe exits: Pandemic opens pipeline for KC health tech startup, catching eye of NY buyer
Kirby Montgomery announced the acquisition of TheraWe earlier this week, but — in a nod to “evening entrepreneurism” — the founder won’t actually go full-time with the startup he created three years ago until Monday. TheraWe — a HIPAA-compliant... Read more
How can KC get to a $400M+ exit? Hire smart and just survive, says founder of startup acquired by H&R Block
A year after Wave’s $405 million acquisition by H&R Block, the company’s co-founder acknowledges the Toronto startup’s story seems like something of a fintech fairytale — with the happy end of one chapter perhaps overshadowing the struggles... Read more
Editor’s note: The following story is sponsored by Yoodle, a partner of STARTLAND, the parent organization of Startland News. Click here to learn about the FEC Coding Academy courses or to apply for its coming cohort, a partnership between Yoodl... Read more
Expensive billboards aren’t enough: Digital content startup pushes platform for engaging signage
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
MADE to order: How KC’s top streetwear brand plans to fund therapy sessions for ‘our brothers and sisters’
No health, no hustle, said Vu Radley, detailing MADE MOBB’s recently launched effort to fund free therapy sessions for members of the Black community. “Mental health isn’t something that’s talked about a lot within minority groups. For me, growi... Read more