All Stories

Looking for the right exit? Driven founders first must know their startup’s destination

By Tommy Felts / February 7, 2024

Setting an exit goal early is crucial when founding a startup, shared Robert Zhou, a Kansas City serial entrepreneur-turned-angel investor. “Every startup I mentor, I ask the founder this from Day 1: ‘What’s your goal?’” he explained. “‘Are you trying to build a business that you ultimately sell for $10 million? Is it $1 million?…

Read More >

Digital Health KC awarded $311K grant with goal to add 70+ jobs, $6M+ in wages across region

By Tommy Felts / February 7, 2024

Newly announced funding from the Missouri Technology Corporation is expected to boost a regional initiative that aims to open greater access to critical capital and partnerships for Kansas City area companies in a rapidly emerging industry. BioNexus KC — a catalyst for innovation in animal and human health — has received a $311,000 MOBEC (Missouri…

Read More >

MTC grant puts ‘cherry on top’ for KC startup closing its seed round; two more local companies earn MO funding

By Tommy Felts / February 7, 2024

A trio of Kansas City tech startups are among seven Missouri companies splitting $2.2 million in equity-based investments from the State of Missouri — a funding milestone that not only reflects momentum, but amplifies it, one grant-winning founder said. The Missouri Technology Corporation on Tuesday announced the awards from its IDEA Fund, with investments slated for…

Read More >

Nearly $500K in renewed MTC funding for LaunchKC expected to empower early-stage tech startups for years 

By Tommy Felts / February 7, 2024

A popular entrepreneur support program is getting fresh funding from the State of Missouri to continue its competition for non-dilutive grants, along with offering winning companies office space, educational programs, and access to mentors. LaunchKC, the non-profit initiative founded by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri, (EDCKC) and Downtown Council is set to…

Read More >

This retro arcade and restaurant is revitalizing downtown with more than just flavors of nostalgia

By Tommy Felts / February 6, 2024

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.  TOPEKA — In the capital city of Todd Renner’s youth, he could ride his skateboard through downtown and not be bothered by anyone if he picked the right time of…

Read More >

The Loop KC deepens leadership bench as it expands Millennials professional network to new cities

By Tommy Felts / February 6, 2024

With a transition in leadership in the mix, a still-budding network for young professional in Kansas City — and beyond — is just getting started tapping into its potential, The Loop KC’s founder said. “Nothing is really by young people, for young people. Networking groups can be exclusive or cost too much for some people…

Read More >

Relationship banking in the digital age: Why businesses should demand a trusted human (backed by tech)

By Tommy Felts / February 5, 2024

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Brian Hoffart, a business banking manager and vice president at nbkc bank, is an experienced Kansas City banker who’s fostered B2B relationships nation-wide for the past 20-years. The term “relationship banking” has been a core concept of our business for decades. Fundamentally, it…

Read More >

ULAH merging stores, moving women’s brand into seamless, new one-stop shop experience

By Tommy Felts / February 3, 2024

Fans of LUNA by ULAH — a retail shop featuring an on-trend mix of ready-to-wear women’s apparel, accessories, gifts and home accents — will soon find the brand’s curated offerings two doors down in the Woodside Village live/work center on Rainbow Boulevard. The store is in the final planning stages of relocating to a space…

Read More >

‘We’re all in it together’: Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop wraps family flavors with team work ethic

By Tommy Felts / February 2, 2024

A staple of Kansas City’s emerging food scene for 27 years, Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop’s growth and popularity wouldn’t have been possible without Malisa Monyakula’s team, the chef and owner said. “I’ve had amazing people working with me since the beginning; people continue to gravitate toward helping me with my vision,” said Monyakula from the…

Read More >

No easy snapback: Why this former Chief is helping military veterans get on horseback

By Tommy Felts / February 2, 2024

Kendall Gammon doesn’t know what it’s like to adjust to life after the military, he shared, but the former Kansas City Chiefs long snapper is familiar with losing a sense of identity and community upon leaving the NFL after 15 years. “I always talked about the fact that it was the best temporary job I’d…

Read More >
1MC-Digital-Attend-2460x318px-v1
Founders-Club-Banner-Ad-2

Join Founder's Club – Support Our Mission

Enjoy access to our email newsletter, members only Slack community, exclusive events and other member perks.