All Stories
Their hustle is fierce — their stories, strategies and strengths uncommon. The future newsmakers rounding out Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2020 list are hungry to disrupt. They’re eager to drive and inspire innovation in industries under-explored or altogether forgotten. They’re creating awareness; offering sustainable solutions to everyday problems. These are startups…
Read More >
Nathan Corn began with hustle and an $8,000 nest egg, determined to make it as an entrepreneur who tapped Kansas City resources but wasn’t limited by geography, he said. “[I said,] ‘If I can take the next 10 years of my life and just give everything to growing a company, then that’s it. I’m going…
Read More >
Chiefs’ Super Bowl run ‘like Christmas’ (and Royals’ big win) all over again for KC apparel startups
The Chiefs heading to the Super Bowl isn’t just a good look for the team — it’s a win for small business owners as excited Kansas Citians buy local to keep the party going, said Mark Launiu. “I was really stoked for the city obviously, but I just texted my friends like, ‘Man, if you…
Read More >
If entrepreneurs want to win like the Kansas City Chiefs, they must be unafraid of pivoting, explained Clark Hunt. “The National Football League is extremely competitive and it’s very difficult to win games consistently — even with a talented roster. But it is impossible to win if everyone is not aligned and working together to…
Read More >
A new Cherry sports apparel collection commemorates past Chiefs players with a focus on community impact and bridging a divided Kansas City through pride in the city teams, said Thalia Cherry. “I think the excitement around the Chiefs will be here for years to come, and … I often share when I speak with groups…
Read More >
First impressions: Kansas City’s organic “all in this together” approach boosts the vibrancy of its startup community and thriving cultural scene, said Melissa Vincent. And one of Pipeline’s premier events should reflect that personality, she added. “I think that to be able to step in to Kansas City in this role with Pipeline where there…
Read More >
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Bryan Fries is vice president of 5G marketing strategy and global services for Sprint. From job creation and economic growth to the increase in competition and innovation, Kansas City-area startups and entrepreneurs play a vital role within the ecosystem of our community. And…
Read More >
A transition to new leadership at the Enterprise Center in Johnson County comes with a pledge to build upon the work of the nearly 25-year-old nonprofit, said Jeff Shackelford. “The ECJC will continue to play a vital role in being a focal point for local companies and entrepreneurs looking to raise capital to start and…
Read More >
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…
Read More >
Participants in a series of select entrepreneurship courses this winter will be eligible to win a total of $30,000 in micro-grant awards thanks to the Urban Business Growth Initiative. Funded by the City of Kansas City, Missouri, and administered by the UMKC Innovation Center, the new Dare to Venture Micro-Grant Competition is expected to feature…
Read More >
Join Founder's Club – Support Our Mission
Enjoy access to our email newsletter, members only Slack community, exclusive events and other member perks.