Minority-Led

URL to IRL insights: KC analytics startup downloads $1.2M pre-seed round powered by coalition of VCs

By Tommy Felts / March 5, 2025

The region’s investment community is rallying around an Overland Park tech startup that unlocks insights from videos online and beyond — and its trio of Kansas City founders is grateful to see local talent earning capital that more easily flows to coastal innovators. A $1.2 million pre-seed for dScribe AI is expected to fuel growth…

How KD Academy is redefining childcare as a pillar of KC’s economic growth

By Tommy Felts / March 5, 2025

Editor’s note: The following story was written and first published by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC). Click here to read the original story. In the heart of Kansas City, a state-of-the-art facility — embodying innovation in early childhood education and economic development — works day-in and day-out to meet the demands…

A night for knock-outs: Pipeline gala adds glitz to the hard-fought battles of entrepreneurship (Photos)

By Tommy Felts / March 4, 2025

Midwest means resilience, Melissa Vincent told a black-tie crowd of entrepreneurs gathered Friday evening in the Grand Hall at Union Station, ultimately sharing the stage with not one, but two Innovator of the Year honorees. “When they get knocked down, knocked out, they get back up and they stay in the ring,” continued Vincent, CEO…

Topeka startup hub launches diverse entrepreneur community (with fintech help on loan from KC’s Cyphr)

By Tommy Felts / March 4, 2025

TOPEKA — An initiative aimed at boosting early to mid-stage entrepreneur development in the heart of Kansas launched Friday, said Michael Odupitan, noting the effort by Topeka-based Omni Circle to redefine the startup journey — and who’s allowed to join it — comes with a Kansas City assist. “Omni’s goal is to unite and strengthen…

How an east side community garden gives Ruby Jean’s namesake her storybook ending as juice brand goes national with Whole Foods

By Tommy Felts / March 3, 2025

While market expansion for Ruby Jean’s harvests the big headlines, Chris Goode’s grassroots health initiatives are staying firmly planted in Kansas City’s east side, the juice brand’s founder said — announcing plans to launch a one-acre community garden this spring on Wabash Avenue. Budding out just blocks from where Goode grew up, the Ruby Jean’s…