Minority-Led

Alexa, show me the winners: Storytailor leads Pure Pitch Rally prize tally ahead of tech launch

By Tommy Felts / October 28, 2025

Storytailor’s marquee Pure Pitch Rally win comes at the perfect time for the Kansas City startup, its founders said. They’re preparing to roll out a new immersive storytelling platform through a partnership with Amazon’s Alexa+ next year — a move expected to bring their tech to more than 200 million Prime users. “It’s the most…

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Crossing lanes: KC Streetcar collaborators back aboard for expansion, dropping new merch, anthem

By Tommy Felts / October 24, 2025

Opening the extended KC Streetcar line Friday completes a loop for creatives whose collaborations with the popular public transit system first emerged nearly a decade ago along Main Street — a time when Kansas City’s surging vibrancy helped curb streetcar doubters. “For us, it’s always been about representing Kansas City — the people, the culture,…

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Kauffman Foundation announces first-ever semifinalists for Uncommon Leader Impact Award

By Tommy Felts / October 23, 2025

A new leadership prize aimed at celebrating changemakers at organizations aligned with the priorities of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is closer to naming its first winner, the influential nonprofit announced Wednesday, revealing 12 semifinalists culled from more than 300 nominations. “The response from community members across the Kansas City metro area was tremendous,” said…

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If this Cosmo Burger cousin seems like Topgolf with darts, that’s the (steel-tipped) point

By Tommy Felts / October 15, 2025

Arrow Dart Club sinks into Crossroads with 10 throwing lanes, elevated Kansas City culinary team A new, multi-level Crossroads entertainment venue combines the nostalgia of basement darts with tech-driven scoring, elevated eats, and a subterranean wine bar. It’s an experience that feels familiar, but hits a whole new target, said owners Atit and Jugal Patel.…

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Pure Pitch Rally reveals competitors for its 10th crowd-funded, spot-cash pitch contest

By Tommy Felts / October 13, 2025

Eight emerging startups set to take the Pure Pitch Rally stage next month will become part of the Kansas City tech community’s evolving story, said Karen Fenaroli, touting a decade of impact that has seen millions in follow-on capital raised and thousands of jobs created across the region. “It is no longer just an event,”…

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