All Stories
Two years after receiving a $25,000 grant from Kansas City G.I.F.T., Damesha Cook’s small business is still on the move, picking up speed as she invests her own personal touch to build confidence and trust among clients. “When people meet me and get to know my personality, it gives them a lot of comfort,” said…
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Running a social venture comes with an inherent challenge for founders, shared Jacqueline Erickson Russell, emphasizing they must balance purpose and profit. Social Venture Studio — powered by LaunchKC — offers support along that journey, added Erickson Russell, the founder and CEO of Social Impact Advising Group and consultant for the Kansas City-based program. “Complex…
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Tyler Jordan’s new spin on DJing: amplify fellow artists and unite people through music, he shared. Jordan — who produces electronic music and DJs under the name Oblivinatti (a mashup of his favorite video game growing up, The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion, and his interest in conspiracy theories) — is evolving his sound production business Vibration…
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The River Market Art Festival is back after a 20-year hiatus — with a nod to the past and an eye toward the future, shared The AI Hub’s Taylor Burris and James Spikes, startup founders who are hosting the event in partnership with the River Market Community Association. The revival of the art festival —…
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Mike Plunkett’s journey with PayIt came to an early, but critical crossroads when a wealthy entrepreneur offered half-million dollars to support the Kansas City-built govtech venture, he recalled. The catch: this investor insisted on imposing control and veto power as they committed more funds. Despite being low on funds, the PayIt team — led by…
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One of KC’s most-anticipated startup events is set to tease a room full of sharks with the innovations of tomorrow — being built in Kansas City today, said Karen Fenaroli, announcing the eight competitors set for the Oct. 23 Pure Pitch Rally stage. The one-of-a-kind event helps startups grow by offering nondilutive spot-cash funding to…
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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. WICHITA, Kansas — Artificial intelligence won’t replace humans, shared Apple co-founder and tech giant Steve Wozniak, but the rapidly advancing technology should come with a warning label. AI is just…
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Mark Launiu always felt a bit like an outsider, he said. While the serial entrepreneur now leads KC’s iconic streetwear brand MADE MOBB, Launiu grew up humbly as an immigrant within a small community in South Kansas City. So his recent honor as Samoan Business/Entrepreneur Award of the Year was a pleasant surprise, he said.…
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The caliber of founders leading the latest startups funded by Digital Sandbox KC is truly exceptional, said Jill Meyer, describing a third-quarter cohort that includes a Pipeline Pathfinder member, a KC Chamber Small Business of the Year finalist, and the former CEO of the KC Tech Council. “Their industry experience and dedication are the cornerstones…
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Small businesses have the potential to thrive in Kansas City in ways unlike other metros across the country, said Christine Lau, highlighting how the city’s unique spirit will play a role in a newly created Small Business Task Force for KCMO. “We have a grit and tenacity that I haven’t seen anywhere else,” said Lau,…
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