News

Photos: Founders score electric vibes, human connections with Startup Crawl’s return

By Tommy Felts / June 24, 2024

Even tech startups benefit from one-on-one conversations with peers and the public, founders said, reflecting on the connections, collisions and real-time feedback earlier this month during Startland News’ Startup Crawl in downtown Kansas City’s Power & Light District. “It was an incredible experience that allowed for free-flow conversations and engaging activities between myself and the…

How Kelly Clarkson’s well-timed Father’s Day gift boosted a KC entrepreneur’s nonprofit

By Tommy Felts / June 22, 2024

Life’s recent whirlwind initially shocked James Hogue — the newly-minted “rad dad” who earned a shoutout (and a couple thousand dollars) on the Father’s Day edition of Kelly Clarkson’s hit daytime talk show. “My first thought was, ‘Is this really happening?’” the Kansas City dad and certified doula said. The founder of Fathers Assisting Mothers…

Venture Noire is ready to activate KC with focus on improving outcomes for Black entrepreneurs

By Tommy Felts / June 21, 2024

Venture Noire comes to Kansas City late this month with a two-day event to help early-stage entrepreneurs plan their next moves and reintroduce the Northwest Arkansas-based nonprofit to local business owners.  Planned for June 26-27 at Keystone CoLAB, the “KC’s Playbook for Entrepreneurial Excellence” event is expected to feature a boot camp with workshops on…

Wild Way closing: Coffee camper drips bittersweet blend of emotions as owner’s cup runs dry

By Tommy Felts / June 21, 2024

Nearly six years after she began serving lattes in her popular Wild Way coffee camper, Christine Clutton is saying goodbye to the business at the end of the month, she confirmed. Wild Way Coffee — featured on the Peacock series “The Simple Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” and approved by KC-raised actor Jason Sudeikis —…

Wichita investors propel startup helping underserved schools, nonprofits boost workforce

By Tommy Felts / June 20, 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 — A more than $500,000 oversubscribed round from accredited investors — mostly Wichita backers — is just one milestone in tech startup KaaS’ plans for $1 million in 2024 investments, said…