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Economic momentum in the Kansas City region has never been stronger — no matter which side of the state line a business operates, Gerald Smith said. A colorful pair of murals now splash that reality across two of the veteran entrepreneur’s Plexpod locations. Reflecting a border war “truce” — called in August between the governors of…
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An oversubscribed first fund for Novel Growth Partners will help the Kansas City-based financing firm expand its tech investments in Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis. With more than $12 million banked for the fund, Novel is poised to use its unique revenue-based financing model to focus on boosting B2B software startups, the firm said in…
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Just because a pitch is tough doesn’t mean it won’t payoff, said Clarence Tan. “Smiles will take you miles,” Tan, CEO and cofounder of Boddle Learning, said of his and co-founder Edna Martinson’s latest pitch at the AT&T Pitches and Purpose contest in San Francisco — the pair’s most difficult presentation to date, they said…
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H&R Block filed its intentions Thursday to contribute $6.5 million over the next five years to support neighborhood revitalization and the success of small businesses nationally — with $3.5 million slated specifically for Kansas City. “Make Every Block Better” teams the Kansas City-born tax preparation giant with five key partners in the local entrepreneur and…
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Startland News is continuing its “Fund Me, KC” series to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs — like Rachel Cohen with her My Bear Jeff campaign — to share their crowdfunding stories to gain a little help from their supporters. Who are you? Rachel Cohen, Chief Bear Officer…
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Building something cool requires doing a lot of uncool things — tasks and tactics most people are unwilling to undertake, said Ben Jackson. “The daily grind isn’t glamorous and it’s not fun,” said Jackson, co-founder of Overland Park-headquartered Bungii and an honoree on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list for consumer technology. “Success is a matter…
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Nine startup leaders are expected to compete this month for seed in downtown Lee’s Summit hot spots better known for hops. Velocity LS Pitch Pub Crawl is set to return 5 p.m. Dec. 12 at Bricks Pub & Grub,18 SE Third St., before moving on to Smoke Brewing Company, 209 SE Main St., Arcade Alley,…
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Spencer Fane’s STARTUP Lab already is having an impact on its first selected company, Helix Health, said Aaron Deacon. “It has been a really enlightening experience for me,” said Deacon, co-founder of Helix Health alongside Anurag Patel, explaining support from the law firm. “To have the advice and help from other people who know how…
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Most dogs adapt quickly to social situations, said Kwinton Scarbrough, but their two-legged companions can be more complex and anxiety-ridden about meeting new people. “We’re creating a way for dog owners to socialize, connect and collaborate without having to give away their personal information,” said Scarbrough, CEO and founder of PawConX, a free mobile social…
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Editor’s note: Below you’ll find a list of seven ways to spruce up your holiday decor courtesy of Kansas City creatives. Click here to check out the rest of Startland News’ 2019 Gift Guide. Handpainted ornaments Bright and unexpected, Ampersand Design Studio ornaments hope to make a modern splash on the bows of traditional Christmas…
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