All Stories

LaDonna Gooden, NeXtStage KC, AltCap

AltCap’s NeXt Stage KC launches with one goal: More ‘Yes’ for minority entrepreneurs

By Tommy Felts / February 12, 2020

Diversity is just good business, said LaDonna Gooden, emphasizing that companies with a variety of perspectives consistently outperform their competitors. “The opportunity really exists for everyone in this ecosystem to benefit and participate [in Kansas City’s startup scene],” said Gooden, entrepreneur in residence and coach for NeXt Stage KC, a program of AltCap. “I don’t…

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Jack Schraad, Brad Garlinghouse, Nathan Nichols, Mason Qualls, Daniel Jones, Craig DeWitt, and Pat Thelen; Ripple and KU Blockchain Institute

Startup Road Trip: Student-led KU Blockchain Institute has high-tech dreams with graduation nearing 

By Tommy Felts / February 11, 2020

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. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. LAWRENCE…

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Juaquan Herron

‘Scarlet Knight’ cuts through comic book stigma with real-life entrepreneur, brand crossovers

By Tommy Felts / February 11, 2020

Continuing his comic book quest to capture the realities of urban life, Juaquan Herron returns to drop the Scarlet Knight’s second volume — this time featuring some recognizable Kansas City faces, he said.  “It’s just one of those things where you definitely have to figure out other avenues to make the brand bigger — bigger…

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Zego Paylease

Nine months after KC startup’s exit, its new owner adopts ‘Zego’ name, identity

By Tommy Felts / February 11, 2020

Acquiring Kansas City-based Zego was a smart move for its new owner, the San Diego company said Tuesday — and a decision so impactful that the evolving tech platform is taking on the name and personality of the exited smart home startup. “We are excited to take the next steps in our company’s evolution,” said Dirk…

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WeWork Lightwell

First look: WeWork Lightwell illuminates space for growing teams downtown (Photos)

By Tommy Felts / February 8, 2020

Despite national headlines that question WeWork’s staying power, a second Kansas City location signals light at the end of the tunnel for the coworking giant.  “The expectation of the workforce is changing,” Erik Wullschleger, WeWork community director, explained during a Startland News tour of the newly opened space, which occupies the third and fourth floors…

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Pro Athlete

Beyond just bats: Pro Athlete takes a swing at apparel, innovation with its first acquisition

By Tommy Felts / February 8, 2020

Whether a company has just left the bench or been in the game for more than 30 years, the key to innovation is simple: maintain a startup mentality and growth is sure to follow, said Andrew Dowis.  “One of our core values is embracing innovation,” explained Dowis, CEO of Pro Athlete — a Kansas City-grown…

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ScaleUP! KC unveils cohort packed with 17 entrepreneurs, backed by new leader

By Tommy Felts / February 6, 2020

A 10th cohort for ScaleUP! Kansas City continues the program’s five-year legacy of helping entrepreneurs scale a diverse array of companies, the effort’s new leader said. “This program demonstrates over and over that you can not only start a business in Kansas City, but also that you can get all the tools, coaching, perspective and…

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Brent EuDaly, Detour Goods

Post-exit detour takes founder on a journey back to a time before plastic ruled the world

By Tommy Felts / February 6, 2020

Living as determined “plastic haters,” the husband-and-wife duo behind Detour Goods craft wooden toys as a callback to higher-quality manufacturing and a time before entertainment was dominated by technology.  “I think we’re living in a day and age where we’re just so addicted and connected to our screens,” said Jordan EuDaly, co-owner of the Kansas…

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NXTUS, Wichita

Testing an idea? Startup matchmaker aims to make Wichita the ‘Pilot Capital of the World’

By Tommy Felts / February 6, 2020

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. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. WICHITA…

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Union Station, Kansas City

Startups, offices in path of Chiefs parade closing to party amid travel concerns

By Tommy Felts / February 4, 2020

A long-awaited parade and rally celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory is set to snarl traffic across the metro Wednesday, shutting down much of the city’s downtown-to-midtown business districts — rippling across a startup community eager to join in the fanfare. Set for 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, the parade is expected to draw more…

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