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Blake Miller, Homebase

Premiere Kansas City startup acquired by Texas-based IoT leader in proptech industry

By Tommy Felts / October 17, 2023

The acquisition of Crossroads-built Homebase by Lone Star State smart home innovator Quext brings together two of the most disruptive companies in the space, said Blake Miller, founder of the premiere Kansas City startup. The move — creating a single source for multifamily operators to get the best-in-class smart community and managed WiFi solutions their…

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Starlight wants to add a canopy to KC’s famed outdoor theater; Here’s what else its $40M capital campaign would bring

By Tommy Felts / October 16, 2023

Editor’s note: The following story was published by KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. If fully funded, the campaign will make capital improvements across the entire Starlight campus — including the construction of a production…

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Olathe brothers opening vintage clothing storefront; next-generation founder eyes serial entrepreneurship

By Tommy Felts / October 12, 2023

A pair of brothers are rolling open the garage door on their first brick-and-mortar venture this weekend, turning a curated online source for vintage clothing into a physical storefront in Kansas City’s Westside neighborhood. Thomas and Reade Rex are set to host The Rex Catalog’s grand opening 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct.…

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Why Bay Area investors are shifting their gaze from tech to on-the-ground ag innovations

By Tommy Felts / October 12, 2023

Agriculture innovation is at a capital-fueled crossroads, said Josh Svaty, describing a growing appetite from well-funded West Coast investors who are hungry for high-yield Midwest solutions. Climate change — and the challenges it poses across industries — is seeding much of that interest, explained the Kansas farmer, former politician, and investor; speaking to Startland News before…

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Foresight announces $100K investment for its AI-fueled fintech fraud solution for banks

By Tommy Felts / October 12, 2023

Fresh off completing the Tulsa Techstars Accelerator and NXSTAGE fintech competition in Wichita, a busy Kansas City startup just announced a $100,000 investment from Northwestern Mutual. Foresight — an artificial intelligence platform from serial entrepreneur and investor Jannae Gammage — earned a spot in Northwestern Mutual’s Black Founder Accelerator program alongside four other Black-owned tech…

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Innovation center, investor hub set to open this month on Liberty campus, thanks to family’s gift 

By Tommy Felts / October 11, 2023

LIBERTY, Missouri — A significant financial gift to William Jewell College from a family of alumni is expected to fund a new innovation center opening on campus this month. The space is expected to serve as an investor hub and flexible workspace for Kansas City entrepreneurs. The Mathes Innovation Center — made possible by the…

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Sched now: Check out GEWKC’s just-launched, weeklong event lineup with 100+ sessions

By Tommy Felts / October 10, 2023

Organizers of Kansas City’s largest multi-day event series for entrepreneurs have opened registration for the Nov. 13-19 sessions, with a three-day, in-person base camp planned for Plexpod Westport at Park 39. “Global Entrepreneurship Week-Kansas City is the best way for the KC metro’s doers, dreamers and makers to gain new skills, make key connections and…

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Time for this mob to Roo Up with UMKC streetwear collection: Here’s where to find it off-campus 

By Tommy Felts / October 10, 2023

MADE MOBB’s latest collaboration — an eight-piece streetwear collection with UMKC — is yet another full circle moment for co-founder Vu Radley, he shared. The Crossroads-based apparel brand is planning a limited-edition drop Friday, featuring Radley’s alma mater and its iconic Roos. “It’s one of those things that just makes sense,” explained MADE MOBB co-founder,…

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Purple Wave’s strategic partnership with global auction site will take KS tech international

By Tommy Felts / October 10, 2023

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.  MANHATTAN, Kansas — A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is expected to help homegrown auction tech company Purple Wave scale into the global brand its co-founders always dreamed it could be, said Aaron…

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Burnout or just neurotic? Your personality type might be why you’re feeling swamped at work (Holistic Hustle)

By Tommy Felts / October 10, 2023

Kharissa Parker is a news producer, writer, certified health coach, and “Holistic Hustle” columnist for Startland News. The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. For more of her self-care tips on how to keep your cup full, visit kparker.co. When it comes to emotional regulation and mental health at work, Americans seem…

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