All Stories

Heather Steppe, KC Hemp Co.

Grassroots ‘Kansas Cannabis Chamber’ sprouts as legalization looms; led by KC CBD mom-turned-industry advocate

By Tommy Felts / September 22, 2021

For the first time in Sunflower State history, a bill to legalize medical marijuana passed in the Kansas House in May. Behind the effort: a locally grown coalition of cannabis advocates.  The Kansas Cannabis Coalition formed in summer 2020, composed of about 50 individuals who have shown leadership in the cannabis industry, said Heather Steppe,…

Read More >
Sherri Corwin, Mixed Mutt Creamery, Midtown location

Mixed Mutt fetches new home for doggie ice cream shop inside Crossroads pup space 

By Tommy Felts / September 21, 2021

Opportunity continues to bark for Mixed Mutt Creamery, Sherri Corwin said, announcing the dog-friendly ice cream shop will soon move from its Midtown storefront to join forces with another pet-focused small business in the Crossroads Arts District.  “This is a huge opportunity for growth,” Corwin told Startland News, detailing a new partnership between Mixed Mutt…

Read More >

Who’s getting funded in KC? The answer requires a long look in the mirror, analysts say

By Tommy Felts / September 21, 2021

Editor’s note: Startland News asked industry experts to take an early look at the data behind the 2021 Kansas City Venture Capital-Backed Companies Report — the culmination of a three-month collaboration between UMKC’s Technology Venture Studio and Startland News, and presented by Mylo, a Lockton Company. Below are some of their leading takeaways, along with…

Read More >

2021 Kansas City’s VC-Backed Companies Report

By Tommy Felts / September 21, 2021

Higher headcounts and more than a billion dollars in funds raised. The 2021 Kansas City Venture Capital-Backed Companies Report provides a rare snapshot into the bustling, two-state metro’s growth-stage, venture-backed companies. The 2021 report — the culmination of a three-month collaboration between UMKC’s Technology Venture Studio and Startland News — reflects not only ongoing deal…

Read More >
Fall 2019 Elevation Lab Tech Venture cohort with Sally Williams; front row, Jerren Thornhill, Kwinton Scarbrough, Sally Williams, Aaron Monson, Jeremy Williams, and Juaquan Herron; back row, Rodney McDuffie, Zach Davis, James Bailey, David Biga, Jordan Williams, Hassan Ali, and former SBDC counselor Ryan Comeau

Microwave meals to dating apps: How Sally Williams harnesses the power of new products for founders

By Tommy Felts / September 20, 2021

After 40 years in the game, a nearly lifelong career might leave little room for surprises. Yet for Sally Williams, every rise of the sun brings new opportunities, revolving largely around Kansas City’s potential to push the bounds of innovation, she said.  “I have clients who have products in the International Space Station and I…

Read More >
Makefully Studios animation

Makefully Studios earns $1M grant for problem-solving game co-designed by kids

By Tommy Felts / September 20, 2021

A Kansas City media company’s commitment to play-based research and development recently helped score Makefully Studios a $1 million government grant for a children’s problem-solving game. “There’s no other word but proud and grateful,” said Anna Jordan-Douglass, founder and chief creative officer of Makefully Studios, which recently was awarded the funds from the National Science Foundation’s…

Read More >
Elvin Liu, Magic Noodle

A dough master brought Chinese hand-pulled noodles (拉面) to South JoCo; a robotic cat delivers them to your table

By Tommy Felts / September 18, 2021

Hand-pulled noodles were a staple in Elvin Liu’s childhood, he shared, joking that the traditional noodles could be found on any street corner in China — just like Starbucks in the United States. “I moved to Kansas around the end of the year of 2010. I saw a lot of noodle soups, like pho and…

Read More >
AltCap team photo 2021

Filling a capital void: AltCap builds capacity, momentum after its busiest year to date

By Tommy Felts / September 17, 2021

Editor’s note: The following story is sponsored by Academy Bank, a Kansas City based community bank, and is part of a series of features spotlighting some of the bank’s startup and small business partners. The past 18 months have been a critical turning point for AltCap, said Ruben Alonso, as the nonprofit has grown to…

Read More >
Technology2030 Report, Missouri Chamber

MO tech jobs pay double the state’s average wage, fueling economic growth, new report says

By Tommy Felts / September 17, 2021

Missouri’s tech industry remains a driving economic force despite widespread job loss and economic turmoil caused by COVID-19, according to a new report that details how the Show Me State is outpacing national tech growth. Among the report’s key takeaways: Average earnings for all jobs in Missouri was $64,000 in 2020, while the average earnings of…

Read More >
David Block, Block and Company Realtors

Why a KC real estate icon is letting urban artists spray paint his high-profile Plaza building (again)

By Tommy Felts / September 16, 2021

A massive, five-story mural project launched on the Country Club Plaza in late 2020 will grow even bigger over the next week, painting the potential for more representation in an otherwise traditional — and earth tone — Kansas City shopping district and neighborhood.  “It adds a lot of conversation and excitement — and it shows an opportunity…

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.