Minority-Led

Ruby Jean’s Whole Foods spot will blend in Troost inclusivity, Chris Goode pledges

By Tommy Felts / August 15, 2019

As Chris Goode prepares to open a new Ruby Jean’s location Saturday inside a Whole Foods Market south of the Country Club Plaza, the health enthusiast’s hustle hasn’t outpaced his thirst for community, he said. “From Troost to Brookside, Ruby Jean’s will continue to create a truly inclusive space,” Goode said, referencing the popular Ruby…

Kansas City’s Top VC-Backed Companies in 2019

By Tommy Felts / August 13, 2019

The Top Venture Capital-Backed Companies List recognizes the momentum pushing an emerging cohort of Kansas City growth-stage, venture-backed companies.  Simply put, the list — updated and now published annually — shows a massive increase in venture capital deployed to Kansas City companies in 2019, as well as a significant jump in jobs at those businesses.…

OHUB’s ‘unapologetic’ arrival in KC comes with $300K in support; ‘Cosby Show’ alum at Friday event

By Tommy Felts / August 13, 2019

A familiar face from pop culture and $300,000 in entrepreneurial support are just two highlights tied to the Opportunity Hub’s new effort to build a more inclusive startup ecosystem in Kansas City.   “Many times, [building an inclusive community] involves hosting a series of frequently held, branded events that introduce community stakeholders to black and Latinx…

Zohr takes startup lessons on the road as on-demand tire service expands to Dallas streets

By Tommy Felts / August 8, 2019

As Zohr drives toward national expansion, the on-demand tire services startup is already finding success in Dallas, replicating the metro-wide experience it made popular in hometown Kansas City, said Komal Choong. “We’re getting great responses from our early adopters,” the Zohr co-founder and CEO said. “So we’re very optimistic that it’ll continue to grow, just…

As healthcare pivots to value based service, Helix Health uses data analytics to reduce costs

By Tommy Felts / August 6, 2019

Prevention is cheaper than cure — a sentiment forming the foundation of Helix Health, said Anurag Patel. “The business of healthcare today is that if you’re sick, then you’re a customer of healthcare. If you’re healthy, then you’re not,” Patel said, describing a need for creating a business model that helps people stay healthy.  Helix Health…