Latest Stories
Being your authentic self is serious work, founders say; why women need to be in the business of saying ‘no’ more
In a world that’s so focused on AI, now’s the time for entrepreneurs to lean into the authentic quirks that make their businesses different, said Colleen Robertson, encouraging women to “be OK doing something crazy and turning people’s heads.”
Forget beating Vegas: KC startup wants sports fans to compete — not throw money at a gambling app
A Kansas City-built sports ledger turns daily fandom into arcade games, puzzles and trivia — all while keeping score of what users actually know. But it’s not another mobile betting platform, founder Chris Newton said, noting the wager is in game day cred — not a payout.
Billions in development: Royals are just one player behind Downtown KC’s rally, advocates say
The next chapter of Downtown Kansas City, Missouri, isn’t being shaped like just one project, Pat Contreras told a crowd this week, noting a handful of massive projects tell a much bigger story of what momentum looks like when investments connect. “Transportation, entertainment, healthcare, the Riverfront, major civic institutions, neighborhoods — the opportunity now is…
Rare KC hires first exec in bid to close gaps for families impacted by rare health threats
Adding a full-time executive director to lead the Rare KC initiative is expected to help the organization accelerate support and innovation around rare diseases, genetic conditions, and cancers, said Dennis Ridenour, announcing the hire as an extension of BioNexus KC’s partnership and shared regional strategies.
Tenfold Security among 25 finalists in Pepperdine’s ‘Most Fundable Companies’ competition
With more than 2,100 contenders in the mix, founders of a Kansas City-based cybersecurity company said making the top 25 in a national competition between investor-friendly businesses validates the scalability of homegrown, Midwest innovation.
Hashie Awards are leaving LA as social media champions expand; their first stop: Kansas City
After more than a decade honoring the best in social media, digital campaigns and content creation within select cities, an industry advocate has opened its Hashie Awards to global submissions — with an in-person awards celebration slated for May 2027 in Kansas City.
‘Put the matriarchy out front’: Their mission begins with a dance party, but that’s just the gateway
A series of events starting this week that provide a safe space for women isn’t about opposing men, Alex Villalobos-McAnderson said. The goal is to prioritize women in an authentic way that centers the most vulnerable; honors elders and single mothers; and “shows up for all children as our children.”
Critical hire: Founder-turned-VC scout joins Technology Venture Studio as senior director
Kela Ivonye’s arrival at UMKC’s Technology Venture Studio couldn’t have come at a better time, said Maria Meyers, touting the award-winning startup founder’s lived experience as a tech leader, venture scout and ecosystem builder.
Pure Pitch Rally narrows cohort to five startups, focusing resources for spot-cash pitch event
A new format for one of Kansas City’s longest-running pitch competitions is expected to help winning startup founders earn a larger share of funding, greater resources and more individualized guidance from industry experts, said founder Karen Fenaroli, announcing five contenders selected for the 2026 Pure Pitch Rally.
Surprise inside: Her shop unwrapps ‘treat culture’ for those who never outgrew the joy of toys
Bubble Wrapp KC is more than just a Midtown destination for the latest blind boxes targeted to discerning toy collectors, its owner shared. The space sits at the intersection of creativity, nostalgia, and togetherness, she said, calling it a mission that’s always been bigger than selling novelties.
