All Stories

Dan Stifter and Raina Knox, Stratex Solutions

CEO Raina Knox: Millennials don’t have a monopoly on startup momentum

By Tommy Felts / January 31, 2018

Experience matters — even in an ecosystem built upon disrupting the status quo, said Raina Knox, CEO and co-founder of Stratex Solutions. “It’s uncomfortable for some in the startup community to embrace the concept of people with portfolio careers still having a meaningful impact,” she said, noting her lengthy career as a “fixer” in the…

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Spark KC

Cordish’s Spark KC bringing ‘co-living’ concept to Two Light apartments by late 2018

By Tommy Felts / January 30, 2018

A new co-living concept planned for the Two Light luxury apartment tower will be a game-changer for an evolving generation of entrepreneurs, said Spark KC’s Shervonne Cherry. “With the ability to literally be four stories, five stories, 20-some stories away from your workplace, you don’t have to worry about that commute, allowing you more time…

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Dan Katz Virgin Hyperloop One

Hyperloop One exec: KC route would create ‘mega-region’ along I-70

By Tommy Felts / January 30, 2018

When you’re hoping to move people and freight at near subsonic speeds, it pays to be straightforward. At least that’s the case for Virgin Hyperloop One, which announced Tuesday it has embarked on the feasibility study of a high-speed route that would connect Kansas City and St. Louis in about 30 minutes. “It’s a very…

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Julia Luetje, Storm Sleeper, pre-teen innovator

Grand prize: 10-year-old Leawood girl wins $260K for Storm Sleeper invention

By Tommy Felts / January 29, 2018

When Julia Luetje’s parents surprised her at school with news that her Storm Sleeper invention won Frito-Lay’s $250,000 Dreamvention grand prize, the 10-year-old Leawood girl was excited, but told them she needed to get back to work. “Julia seemed to be stunned,” said her mother, Susan Bernstein. “She had the biggest smile I’ve ever seen on…

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Lips of Steel

Fund Me, KC: Lips of Steel gives women iron-clad smiles, healthier bodies

By Tommy Felts / January 29, 2018

Editor’s note: Startland News is continuing its segment to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. If you or your startup is running a crowdfunding campaign, let us know by contacting news@startlandnews.com. Today’s featured campaign — Lips of Steel — spotlights a business co-founded by Kansas City-expat Sofia Gahn, who manages social media for…

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Tech Stars Kansas City

Techstars Kansas City accepting startups for second accelerator class

By Tommy Felts / January 26, 2018

One of the Midwest’s most competitive accelerator programs is looking for technology enabled startups with global potential. Techstars Kansas City is now accepting applications for its three-month, mentor-led 2018 class. The program is set to begin July 16, culminating with an Oct. 11 demo day event in which participating startups will pitch to the community…

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2018 Pipeline class

Four leading Kansas City entrepreneurs among 2018 Pipeline class

By Tommy Felts / January 26, 2018

The lives of four Kansas City entrepreneurs selected for the 2018 Pipeline class are about to change forever, said Brian Handrigan, Pipeline member and co-founder of St. Louis-based Traaqr. New fellows were announced Thursday evening at Pipeline’s The Innovators gala, with 13 startup leaders from across the Midwest taking the stage as the first step…

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Pipeline celebrates Evan Luxon, Esculon

Pipeline celebrates Innovator of the Year, diversity of fellows’ firms (Photos)

By Tommy Felts / January 26, 2018

Throughout Thursday night’s The Innovators gala, alumni of the Pipeline fellowship teased that their individual classes were the best in the entrepreneur network’s 11-year history. Newcomer to the stage Evan Luxon, however, made a case for the tight-knit 2017 fellows based on the group’s perseverance. “We’re a small, but mighty class,” said Luxon, winner of…

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Ginsburg’s Podcast Preview

Ginsburg’s Podcast Preview: ‘Sports Illustrated Media Podcast’ plays on fans’ passion

By Tommy Felts / January 25, 2018

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. If you’re new to either podcasts or this occasional column, click here for background information. We preview specific podcasts to reveal their topics, formats and lessons from listening. Featured Podcast With Super Bowl 52 sure to be an epic mix of sports, business…

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Mid-America Angels Classen

Surging investment network Mid-America Angels announces new director

By Tommy Felts / January 25, 2018

Nebraska angel investment leader Laura McCoolidge Classen is the new managing director of Kansas City-based Mid-America Angels. Classen, who most recently served for five years as the director of Nebraska Angels, succeeds Rick Vaughn, MAA’s founding managing director. Vaughn will continue working with MAA on a part-time basis. “I enjoyed working with many colleagues in…

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