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Chris Callen, CEO of Plot

Techstars Spotlight: GRIT Virtual builds 3-D tech into 2-D construction mindset

By Tommy Felts / October 3, 2017

3-D should stay 3-D, said Chris Callen, CEO of GRIT Virtual. And with the rise of virtual reality and augmented reality technology, that philosophy can be applied to the construction of 3-D buildings, Callen said. Wichita-based GRIT Virtual is a software-as-a-service platform for large contractors. It uses VR software to streamline the workflow for construction…

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Cherry Pit Collective offers community-first workspace for female artists, makers

By Tommy Felts / October 3, 2017

For artists and makers, coworking is often more than just a preference for a non-traditional space – it can be a necessity. When Kelsey Pike graduated from the Kansas City Art Institute in 2011, she came to the realization that she wouldn’t be able to continue her craft — papermaking — without the tools and…

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Komal Choong, ZOHR, and Jennifer Rosenblatt, MusicSpoke

Under-the-radar innovators exchange challenges, answer ‘Why KC?’ (photo gallery)

By Tommy Felts / October 3, 2017

It all comes back to time and money, Jennifer Rosenblatt said. “With a startup, things always take longer, and they always cost a lot more,” said Rosenblatt, co-founder of MusicSpoke. “Where we are now is not where I wanted to be.” Though selected as one of Startland News’ 2017 under-the-radar Kansas City startups, as well…

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Fund me, KC: From poverty to center stage, singer/songwriter wants to give back

By Tommy Felts / October 2, 2017

Editor’s note: Startland News is continuing its segment to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for innovators to share their stories to gain a little help from their supporters. If you or your startup is running a crowdfunding campaign, let us know by contacting news@startlandnews.com  Who are you? My…

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Beyond borders: Federal grant equips KC to build regional $5M seed fund

By Tommy Felts / October 2, 2017

Pushing aside the Kansas-Missouri “border war,” a bi-state effort has earned a federal grant that will help create a $5 million fund for startups, which could begin investing as early as 2018. The Enterprise Center in Johnson County announced Monday it secured a $150,000 Economic Development Administration Seed Fund Support grant. The grant — which…

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Events Preview: WeWork grand opening, Startup Rewind

By Tommy Felts / October 2, 2017

There are a plethora of entrepreneurial events hosted in Kansas City on a weekly basis. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, supporter, or curious community member — we recommend these upcoming events for you. Are you hosting a relevant community event? Add it to the KCSourceLink Calendar for increased exposure. Email info@kcsourcelink.com for assistance. Regnier Institute…

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High school student wants to secure a better world for girls in STEM

By Tommy Felts / September 29, 2017

In 2015, Ruby Rios — sophomore at Bishop Miege High School at the time — arrived late to the first day of her college-level computer science class at Johnson County Community College. “I got lost, so I walked in late wearing my high school uniform in a room full of 30 college guys,” Rios said.…

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Mycroft reveals newest open source AI product

By Tommy Felts / September 29, 2017

Kansas City-based artificial intelligence startup Mycroft AI revealed Wednesday its newest product during Techcrunch Disrupt’s Product Showcase in San Francisco. The firm opened a Silicon Valley office in 2016, yet its headquarters remains in Kansas City. Mycroft is an open-source device, similar to Amazon Echo, using natural language processing technology to enable its everyday use in…

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Immigration debate could stall Moran’s revived Startup Act, again

By Tommy Felts / September 29, 2017

Federal legislation geared toward boosting entrepreneurship would make it easier for foreign-born innovators to obtain permanent resident status in the United States. “The newly-introduced Startup Act promotes public policies that would change our KC startup community for the better,” said Melissa Roberts, vice president of communications and outreach for Enterprise Center of Johnson County, which…

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Dave Alburty, CEO of InnovaPrep

Pipeline alum set to ‘save the world’ through $1M US Army biotech contract

By Tommy Felts / September 28, 2017

The U.S. Army recently awarded a Missouri biotech startup a $1 million contract for 24 months. Based in Drexel, Missouri, about an hour south of Kansas City, InnovaPrep was selected out of hundreds of proposals for the Department of Defense’s 2016 Rapid Innovation Fund. The contract is expected to advance development of the U.S. Army…

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