News

Your neighbors have stories you’ve never heard; this podcast duo is giving them the mic

By Tommy Felts / August 15, 2024

Kansas City natives Jose “JL” Leon Jr. and Daniel “D.Rod” Rodriguez are on a mission to create community — not controversy — with a podcast showcasing untold stories of underrepresented leaders and entrepreneurs — people who contribute to the fabric of Kansas City, but don’t always make headlines. “The more you get to know someone, the…

M25 rankings: Startup hubs are slowing; why KC could be losing ground to Midwest neighbors

By Tommy Felts / August 13, 2024

Kansas City’s startup scene is walking a fine line between flat and stagnant, said Victor Gutwein, teasing caution and other insights into KC’s No. 11 ranking — a position it’s held since 2022 — on M25’s latest Midwest startup cities list. “We’re seeing fewer startups (registered in our datasource Pitchbook) than we used to in Kansas…

Wichita Startup Week rallying nonprofits (and Bill Nye ‘The Science Guy’) to celebrate entrepreneurs

By Tommy Felts / August 13, 2024

Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro.  WICHITA — Entrepreneurship and innovation advocates on Tuesday announced plans for an unprecedented, power-packed week of high-profile events and programs — all fueled by a new coalition of nonprofits that support…

Venue design for 2028 LA Olympics scores early win for KC firm on Intuit Dome team

By Tommy Felts / August 13, 2024

As eyes turn from Paris to the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, Lenexa-based Henderson Engineers is finishing its work on a $2 billion NBA arena project that ultimately will host games for the LA Clippers and Olympians from across the globe. “It’s no secret that Kansas City is a sports mecca when it comes…

Kansas City entrepreneurs chosen for startup competition focused on health tech

By Tommy Felts / August 13, 2024

WICHITA — Health innovation is a global priority, said organizers of the latest NXTSTAGE cohort, announcing nearly a dozen finalists and solutions hailing from Kansas City to France. Ten companies were selected for the 2024 NXTSTAGE Community Health and Vibrancy Pilot Competition, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS). Finalists include startups working to…