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This startup’s AI, Bluetooth tech could push traffic to businesses, boost equity when World Cup comes to KC

By Tommy Felts / May 19, 2023

This spring’s NFL Draft served as a beta test for Kansas City’s implementation of Jonathan Ruiz’s bluetooth technology, he said, noting that the tech and data could help better prepare the city for the World Cup in 2026. “We wanted to start collecting this data for our partners in Kansas City’s Downtown and City Market,…

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Rhinestone’d to RuPaul reality: Fan-turned-KC fashion icon shines with ‘Drag Race’ design

By Tommy Felts / May 18, 2023

RuPaul may not know Whitney Manney’s name, but the “Drag Race” host is now acquainted with the Kansas City fashion designer’s work, she said. The owner of the KC-based WHITNEYMANNEY label had the “wild experience” of designing and constructing the trans-pride, “Troop Beverly Hills”-inspired entrance look for Monica Beverly Hillz for Season 8 of “RuPaul’s…

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Emerging esports org sets sights on sustainability, says it’s leveling up with industry veterans

By Tommy Felts / May 18, 2023

A new esports organization has hit the ground running — and winning — less than six months since its founding, according to its Kansas City co-founder. M80 is set up for sustained success not just because the organization’s Valorant and Rainbow Six teams already boast one championship apiece, Nate Schanker said, but also thanks to…

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How a Bonner Springs-based design firm turned a napkin sketch into this state-of-the-art camper

By Tommy Felts / May 18, 2023

Whether a user is 51,000 feet in the air, or traveling across the Rocky Mountains on a camping trip, Infusion Design is focused on designing spaces that perform at the highest level for what a person needs and desires, said Sean Elsner.  The company was always meant to stand out from the competition, the Infusion…

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These two Small Biz of the Year finalists are among the half-dozen KC firms honored as Inc.’s ‘Best Workplaces’

By Tommy Felts / May 16, 2023

A workplace in the era of talent shortages and a hyper-competitive jobs market is only as good as its ability to meet employees’ nuanced needs, said Melea McRae, a top founder whose marketing company was among six Kansas City firms selected for Inc. magazine’s Best Workplaces list. “Through our un-agency business model, we’ve built a…

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PayIt goes outdoors, acquiring sportsman tech startup, Nashville hub for its expanded footprint

By Tommy Felts / May 16, 2023

A newly announced deal to acquire Nashville-based conservation tech provider Sovereign Sportsman Solutions (S3) is expected to expand PayIt’s govtech solutions into the world of outdoor recreation — making it easier for hunting, fishing and boating enthusiasts to obtain needed licenses and permits. The strategic acquisition — subject to customary closing conditions and set to…

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How a KC startup is using Bluetooth to help ranchers ID sick cows days before symptoms

By Tommy Felts / May 16, 2023

Just-released geolocation technology from MyAnIML can flag and locate sick cattle two to three days ahead of symptoms — protecting the health of the herd and offering a revolutionary new security tool for the beef and dairy supply chain, said serial tech entrepreneur Shekhar Gupta. The Kansas City startup’s patent-pending technology uses artificial intelligence and…

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Just-launched initiative aims to capitalize on Kansas City’s promise as a global leader in health tech, renews call for KC investment

By Tommy Felts / May 13, 2023

Advancing Kansas City’s digital health industry begins with attracting and nurturing talent, said Dick Flanigan. “What [Digital Health KC] seeks to do is connect ideas to talent; talent to capital; capital to companies and companies to marketplace — and we do not lack for ideas,” said Flanigan, who serves as the CEO of Digital Health…

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How Urban TEC used eye-opening VR tech to bring teen mental health into the real world

By Tommy Felts / May 13, 2023

Students at two Kansas City, Kansas, high schools are tackling teen mental health issues with the help of virtual reality, shared youth and tech advocate Ina P. Montgomery. From February through April, 28 students from Wyandotte and JC Harmon high schools learned Unity programming software, identified and researched a health concern for youth ages 13…

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‘Mr. K’ finalists tease what it’s like to work for the next Small Business of the Year

By Tommy Felts / May 12, 2023

Editor’s note: The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is a non-financial partner of Startland News, which serves as the media partner for the Small Business Superstars program. Finalists for the KC Chamber’s Small Business of the Year award highlighted their companies’ commitments to strong workplace culture, DEI initiatives, and community relations during a panel…

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