News

Resource revival: Digital Inclusion Fund relaunches with initial grants focused on devices

By Tommy Felts / May 7, 2024

Kansas Citians can’t upgrade skills or devices they don’t already have, said organizers of a newly relaunched Digital Inclusion Fund — emphasizing a need to attack the metro’s digital divide at the infrastructure level. The fund is set to award up to $250,000 to 501(c)(3) public charities (including schools and churches) or governmental entities across…

New deal with lightwell keeps WeWork in Kansas City after closing Corrigan Station space

By Tommy Felts / May 7, 2024

A freshly negotiated lease agreement with the developer behind the lightwell building in downtown Kansas City means WeWork will continue its two-floor coworking and flexible office space operation in the heart of the city’s central business district. WeWork has officially completed its lease rationalization with the assumption of its lightwell location contract, the company said…

Meet the founder distilling greatness (and fusion flavors) into Kansas’ first Black-owned vodka brand 

By Tommy Felts / May 3, 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 — Greatness isn’t given; it’s earned, said Troy Brooks. But it comes one step at a time, and not without its challenges, he said. The entrepreneur behind Kansas’ first Black-owned…

Startup gives fans real ownership in emerging athletes; investing in talent before they make it big

By Tommy Felts / May 3, 2024

Just as investors can put their money in Google or Apple, Parker Graham wants sports enthusiasts to invest in the next Patrick Mahomes or Travis Kelce, he shared. Along with co-founder and fellow Oklahoma State football alum Yves Batoba, the Kansas City-based serial entrepreneur, Pipeline fellow, and founder of Finotta has now launched Vestible —…

Startup Crawl returns June 14; here’s where you’ll discover dozens of innovators shaping a new KC

By Tommy Felts / May 3, 2024

Sneakers and sunscreen are recommended as Startup Crawl makes its way back to the Kansas City Power & Light District this summer. The annual gathering of startups will return the evening of June 14 to three locations across the entertainment district, Startland News announced this week. Organizers expect to reveal the band lineups for two…