All Stories

Chris Cheatham, RiskGenius

RiskGenius announces Series B, partnerships with trio of world’s largest insurance carriers

By Tommy Felts / July 15, 2019

Customers are pushing for the growth of RiskGenius, a top Kansas City startup providing software-based natural language processing tools for improved quality and accuracy in the insurance industry, said CEO Chris Cheatham. RiskGenius announced Monday an undisclosed Series B round led by Hudson Structured Capital Management Ltd., doing business as HSCM Bermuda. The financing round…

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TRNDSTTRS reboots to link companies to new wave of Gen Z consumers

By Tommy Felts / July 13, 2019

After a period of significant traction that included a merger, TRNDSTTRS Media has returned to Kansas City with a redefined vision and laser focus to better elevate Gen Z in the entrepreneurial and advertising landscape, explained Jake Bjorseth.  “We really wanted to take that next step in growth and rather than compete at these lower…

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George Brooks, Crema startup

Value rich: Crema shifts gears in startup support approach as agency evolves

By Tommy Felts / July 13, 2019

Providing scaling companies with new pathways to learning is the latest objective for Crema, said George Brooks, detailing the digital agency’s constant evolution.  “We had this opportunity with the brands that we’ve been working with over the past few years to basically figure out, ‘Hey, how do we increase the value of your company?’” explained…

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Jeff Shackelford, Digital Sandbox

Changing lanes: Shackelford leaving Digital Sandbox to head Mid-America Angels, Fountain Innovation Fund

By Tommy Felts / July 11, 2019

Two hats are better than one, joked Jeff Shackelford, announcing he’s accepted a new role with the Enterprise Center in Johnson County.  “I’m on the same highway but I’m kind of changing lanes,” Shackelford said as he takes the wheel as senior vice president of investment capital and financial operations at the ECJC — where…

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Lightwell building, downtown Kansas City

WeWork opening second coworking location in newly renovated downtown Lightwell building

By Tommy Felts / July 11, 2019

WeWork will continue to shine a light on entrepreneurs in Kansas City with a second location inside the newly named Lightwell building downtown.  “Since opening our first location here nearly two years ago in the Crossroads at Corrigan Station, WeWork in Kansas City has been bustling with entrepreneurs and high-growth businesses,“ said WeWork’s Kansas City…

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Thee Outpost

Explore inside: Thee Outpost offers fresh brew of Thou Mayest, Collective Ex coffee-creative collaboration (Photos)

By Tommy Felts / July 11, 2019

The way is open and a new era has begun for Kansas City’s dreamers, doers, makers, and caffeinated creators.  “I’m really pulling that curtain back [and letting] makers do what they do,” explained Johnny Dawbarn, founder of Collective Ex — a collaborative of artisans, designers and creatives at 519 E. 18th St., now open to…

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Brandon Love and Michelle Bolser, Alchemy Bath Co. Crumble

Bath boon: Crumble molds new product line, adding Alchemy Bath Co into its aromatic recipe

By Tommy Felts / July 10, 2019

Like freshly poured wax, the latest product from Crumble Co. founder Brandon Love has cured in Kansas City — scented this time with collaboration as the company melts into a merger with Alchemy Bath Co., he explained.  “We came to them and were like, ‘Hey, can we order bath bombs from you?’ … We were…

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Summer Trep Series

OHUB x KCUP set to debut ‘18th & Vine Summer Trep Series’ for black, Latinx startup builders

By Tommy Felts / July 10, 2019

The first spoke of Opportunity Hub’s arrival in Kansas City debuts July 19 with a new monthly event series dedicated to business builders from black and Latinx communities. “This is a celebration of unity, creating a healthier ecosystem within Kansas City, Missouri,” said Jamilah Jones, a business development officer at the Economic Development Corporation of…

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Laura McCoolidge, Sofia Fund

Minneapolis angel investment firm expanding to KC, names McCoolidge managing partner

By Tommy Felts / July 9, 2019

A former leader of the Mid-America Angels fund could be the secret to establishing Minneapolis-based Sofia Fund as a new investment resource for women-led companies within Kansas City, said Cathy Connett. “The Midwest continues to be a hub of startup activity,’ said Connett, Sofia Fund CEO. “Extending our footprint to Kansas City gives us access…

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Pure Pitch Rally 2018, photo by Mikaela Wendel Photography

Pure Pitch Rally returning in October with spot-cash funding; applications open now

By Tommy Felts / July 9, 2019

The land sharks are already hungry for Kansas City’s top tech talent, said Karen Fenaroli, announcing the planned return of the Pure Pitch Rally this fall. “Not only does Pure Pitch Rally provide startups with the opportunity to earn much-needed cash funding, it gives local entrepreneurs direct access to the resources and people in our…

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