News

Style on standby: How an 18th & Vine barber shop is turning heads inside KC’s airport

By Tommy Felts / January 12, 2024

Armon Lasker’s barber shop inside security at the new Kansas City airport terminal flies a cut above the rest, said the former information technology professional-turned-entrepreneur. His spot — Director’s Cut: Take Two — allows travelers to conveniently get a haircut and other services before or after their flights. “This is the first one like this,” said…

Construction tech startup built for the job site, cementing quality data into infrastructure

By Tommy Felts / January 12, 2024

A veteran Kansas City startup duo’s latest project — Tractics — is set to disrupt an in-demand, yet underserved, market with its construction management platform for heavy civil contractors. “True disruption occurs when behavior changes and I think we found an opportunity to change behavior in a positive way and continue to innovate in a…

Startup founded to save local news acquires Modulist, expanding to obits, classifieds

By Tommy Felts / January 11, 2024

A fast-growing public notice software platform with Kansas ties this week announced its acquisition of a North Dakota company built to serve publishers with paid celebrations, obituaries, and announcements. Column — founded by Jake Seaton, a fifth-generation member of the Manhattan, Kansas-based Seaton newspaper family — is expected to expand its own platform with the Modulist…

Purina prize earns KC startup a $25K treat in its bid to help foster pets of abuse survivors without safe homes

By Tommy Felts / January 9, 2024

ST. LOUIS — As a finalist for Purina’s 2024 Pet Care Innovation Prize, Kansas City-built BestyBnB is expected to receive $25,000 and support from the pet care leader as the startup’s co-founders work to grow their business in a $136.8 billion industry. A $25,000 grand prize is on the line this spring. “At Purina, our…

After startup’s failure, founder looks inward to rebuild faith in himself as an entrepreneur

By Tommy Felts / January 9, 2024

ST. LOUIS — In his first go-round as an entrepreneur, Brad Starnes lost himself in his startup, he shared. This time, the 2021 UMKC Student Entrepreneur of the Year and former Splitsy co-founder is building a startup around authenticity and his own personal brand. “Going into the beginning of 2023, I realized that who I…