Storytailor

Recent Articles by Storytailor

Leanlab launches edtech certification with focus on accountability to classrooms

May 12, 2022

A new product certification from Leanlab Education means increased transparency for edtech companies — as well as added credibility for their work within schools.  “We want to give teachers and school administrators a quick way to understand if an edtech product reflects the insights of educators, students, and parents — the true end users in education — and…

Actor David Dastmalchian fought his own demons; now the KC native is sending ’80s-inspired monsters to you

May 11, 2022

Growing up in Kansas City, David Dastmalchian was enamored with his hometown’s most shadowy corners: its fabled haunted houses, the shelves of Clint’s Comics, “Crematia Mortem’s Friday” on local TV, and even his Overland Park neighborhood’s mystical-seeming creeks and forests.  Each of these childhood haunts planted a seed for the Hollywood actor’s latest project —…

MoodSpark buys defunct startup’s IP, minds focused on disrupting elderly veterans’ depression 

May 11, 2022

A slew of new patents and tools are now in the hands of a KCK-rooted startup that aims to protect aging military veterans that suffer from loneliness, anxiety and depression.  MoodSpark has acquired assets previously held by California-based Dthera Sciences — an early leader of the digital therapeutics space, known for its innovative quality of life…

Built to last, bought with intention: How JE Dunn set supplier diversity as a cornerstone

May 10, 2022

Editor’s note: The following story was sponsored by KC Rising, a regional initiative to help Kansas City grow faster and more intentionally, as part of a campaign to promote its CEO-to-CEO Challenge on supplier diversity.  Approaching supplier diversity for the long haul means defining the work — without limiting it, said Jason Banks, describing how Kansas City-based construction icon JE…

Rally Gin pours into KC as childhood friends mix spirit of resilience with Black-owned, woman-owned brand

May 10, 2022

After launching in the Los Angeles market, Rally Gin is coming home — distilling a pandemic dream into Kansas City reality.  “We have so much pride in being Kansas City natives and are thrilled to share Rally Gin with the town,” said Alysha Daicy, co-founder.  A launch event honoring Rally’s expansion into the Midwest is planned…

Hack Midwest set for July return — challenging coders to build game-changing apps in 24 hours

May 10, 2022

After a four year hiatus, Kansas City’s largest coding competition is back, bringing with it more than 300 of the region’s most talented software engineers — set to battle it out in July for prizes and honors.  “Adding to Kansas City’s momentum as a leading tech hub, Hack Midwest gives passionate software engineers the opportunity to…

It’s wheels up for KC flight attendant-turned headwear designer: Heavy Head takes flight

May 7, 2022

Jaclyn Heupel had a gut feeling early in the pandemic that she would eventually get furloughed from her job as a flight attendant with American Airlines. Brainstorming ideas for a side gig to help her pass the time led Heupel to a sewing machine and fabric. Watching YouTube videos brought experimentation with materials. She settled…

Chefs transform ‘ugly’ produce into beautiful dinners: How Kanbe’s Markets is taking food waste off the menu

May 6, 2022

From lumpy apples to a spotty potato, foods with cosmetic flaws are still edible and nutritionally dense, said Ali Curbow.  “People turn away these types of produce because it is considered ‘ugly’ — but we’re hoping to showcase that these ugly produce can be made into something beautiful,” said Curbow, marketing manager at Kanbe’s Markets,…

Gator, shrimp po’boys made to order, but Chef Esra has more than sandwiches plated for KC’s East Side

May 6, 2022

Opening a restaurant is just one phase of Esra England’s vision for Kansas City’s East Side. “I’m looking at a restaurant as an anchor point. Once you have a restaurant in the area, the community will be able to do different things like host meetings or classes — and hopefully, other businesses will start to…

KC investors power $4.5M round for OP startup poised to ‘unlock billions’ for its customers

May 5, 2022

Overland Park-based Realto has closed a $4.5 million funding round — thanks in large part to the backing of Kansas City-based investors.  “We’re excited to welcome these important investors as we continue to expand our robust trading capabilities across the universe of alternative products,” Brian King, co-founder and CEO, said in announcement of the funding round which…