Funding

Nomi Smith, PMI Rate Pro, Pure Pitch Rally 2020; photo by Mikaela Wendel Photography

Big winner at the Pure Pitch Rally: the American dream (and 8 pitchers vying for more than $91K)

By Tommy Felts / October 14, 2020

Seven months after launching her startup, Nomi Smith’s PMI Rate Pro already is integrated with the nation’s six private mortgage insurance providers — saving more than 2,000 hours for loan officers and more than $1 million for homebuyers, she said. Competing Monday on stage at the Pure Pitch Rally was another critical milestone, Smith told…

Read More >
Downtown Overland Park, Johnson County

ECJC leading Johnson County effort to distribute $13.5M in CARES small business grants

By Tommy Felts / October 13, 2020

A new government lifeline designed to boost Johnson County entrepreneurs hit by the COVID-19 pandemic soon will offer a one-time $10,000 grant to qualified recipients. “Many of Johnson County’s small businesses have limited resources and access to capital during this unprecedented time,” said Ed Eilert, chairman of the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners. “We’re…

Read More >
Miguel Johns, KingFit

KingFit prescription for growth: DiabetesCare startup becomes a pandemic must-have

By Tommy Felts / October 12, 2020

WICHITA — A new partnership with a medical giant is adding even more fuel to a momentous 2020 for Kansas-grown KingFit, said Miguel Johns.  The startup has entered an agreement with BioTel Care, the diabetes division of BioTelemetry — a $2 billion publicly-traded company, that aims to improve health outcomes through innovation.  “This partnership opens doors…

Read More >

Rising startup stars among latest wave of Digital Sandbox’s critical COVID-era capital

By Tommy Felts / October 6, 2020

Four new Digital Sandbox KC companies reflect a wide breadth of technology, diversity and ingenuity that’s not only typical of the proof-of-concept program, but needed as the startup community attempts a rebound amid the ongoing pandemic, said Jill Meyer. “Our current environment has been a challenging one to navigate for many of our entrepreneurs,” said…

Read More >
Chris Cheatham, RiskGenius

RiskGenius touchdown: OP insuretech startup scores exit deal with industry leader

By Tommy Felts / October 6, 2020

Overland Park’s RiskGenius crossed a finish line this week — but work remains as an exit looms, the company announced Tuesday.  Columbus, Ohio-based Bold Penguin — an innovation-driven startup that rapidly increases speed-to-bind for commercial insurance — has agreed to acquire the insurtech company for an undisclosed amount, paving the way for continued dominance as the…

Read More >