News

KC investors power $4.5M round for OP startup poised to ‘unlock billions’ for its customers

By Tommy Felts / May 5, 2022

Overland Park-based Realto has closed a $4.5 million funding round — thanks in large part to the backing of Kansas City-based investors.  “We’re excited to welcome these important investors as we continue to expand our robust trading capabilities across the universe of alternative products,” Brian King, co-founder and CEO, said in announcement of the funding round which…

Kauffman anchors $100M fund to boost minority-led ventures, access to capital

By Tommy Felts / May 3, 2022

Editor’s note: The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a financial supporter of Startland News. A $100 million fund is expected to help close the wealth gap and better fund BIPOC-led ventures — thanks in part to Kansas City’s own Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.  Joining forces with Living Cities, the Kauffman Foundation has committed $10 million to…

Esports startup closes $19M Series B, solidifying position as scholastic esports leader

By Tommy Felts / May 3, 2022

Generation Esports, a Kansas City-based, global community-focused esports organization and tournament platform, announced Tuesday that it secured an additional $19 million in financing, which includes the acquisition of a Santa Monica-based technology leader, Wizard Labs Inc. The Series B round was led by Bay Area-based early-stage investor Altos Ventures — the main investors in online…

Healium wins $50K in NFL pitch competition with play for pro athlete’s brain, heart health

By Tommy Felts / May 2, 2022

Patrick Mahomes is no longer Missouri’s only MVP in the eyes of the NFL. The organization’s player’s association just crowned a Columbia-based startup the $50,000 winner of its annual pitch contest.  In late April, NFLPA Pitch Day brought six diverse-led startups to Las Vegas to compete for prizes in its annual contest. Among them was…