News

How one founder plans to use blockchain to bring equity, transparency to the ‘American Dream’ — buying a home

By Tommy Felts / September 2, 2022

After back-to-back home-buying nightmares — where predatory practices left Louis Byrd with mounting bills from unexpected repairs — the Kansas City entrepreneur and creative force plans to launch a new blockchain-infused solution to increase transparency for homebuyers. The first tech product from Byrd’s Zanago Design, Kataba is expected to allow potential buyers to verify titles,…

These shoes are made for girls combat sports; now you can buy a pair down the street 

By Tommy Felts / September 1, 2022

A Kansas woman’s mission to bring girls’ athletic gear to traditionally male sports scored a big win this week as Yes! Athletics announced its move from online-only sales to local store shelves. Furthering its reach beyond the Yes! Athletics website, the shoe brand can be purchased at three Jock’s Nitch Sports stores in Kansas —…

Katz cat grins again: KC icon returning to the streets — this time near Liberty Memorial

By Tommy Felts / September 1, 2022

Editor’s note: The following story was originally published by CityScene KC, an online news source focused on Greater Downtown Kansas City. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for the weekly CityScene KC email review. The Katz Drug Store sign, a one-time iconic streetscape fixture in Kansas City and beyond with its happy cat…

Pipeline opens application for 2023 fellowship, Pathfinder; boosts its own storytelling

By Tommy Felts / September 1, 2022

Midwest entrepreneurs deserve the resources they need to scale into high-growth ventures, said Melissa Vincent, announcing the launch this week of applications for Pipeline’s latest fellowship and Pathfinder program for overlooked founders. Tapping into its network of more than 180 entrepreneurs who have generated over $2.2 billion in revenues, Pipeline’s support system ranges from intense…

2022 Kansas City’s VC-Backed Companies Report

By Tommy Felts / August 31, 2022

The metro’s field of venture capital-backed companies is getting more crowded — their payrolls swelling with new employees — amid a bounce-back from the global pandemic and new signals of Kansas City’s momentum, according to data in a new report from Startland News. The 2022 Kansas City Venture Capital-Backed Companies Report provides an updated snapshot into…