News

Two years after top KC startup’s sale, Zego (and its new owner) acquired for nearly $1B

By Tommy Felts / June 18, 2021

The company that acquired Kansas City-based Zego in 2019 — and liked the real estate tech startup’s brand so much it changed its own identity to match — has itself now been purchased by a global “powerhouse” in an all-cash transaction valued at $925 million. Zego — formerly PayLease — announced the acquisition by Global…

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U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas; file photo, courtesy of Sharice Davids' office

Women bore the brunt of pandemic; now it’s time to reinvest in their businesses, Rep. Davids says

By Tommy Felts / June 17, 2021

A strong recovery from the COVID-19 crisis — which destroyed the businesses of many women, and particularly women of color — requires a deliberate investment in initiatives that drive and support female entrepreneurship, said Sharice Davids. “It’s not enough to recreate the pre-pandemic economy for female workers and business owners,” U.S. Rep. Davids, D-Kansas, said…

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T-Mobile Accelerator preps for June 30 demo day; nearly ready to launch new fall cohort

By Tommy Felts / June 16, 2021

As the Kansas City-based T-Mobile Accelerator readies for its June 30 demo day of immersive technology, the deadline is nearing on applications for a second accelerator program — set to debut this fall with a specific focus on wellness tech. “T-Mobile Accelerator is actively searching for startups developing the next big thing in 5G technologies…

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Meet 13 small businesses leading the way on DEI as Chamber’s Equity Award finalists

By Tommy Felts / June 16, 2021

Some of Kansas City’s youngest companies and startups are among the most committed to achieving DEI goals in the workforce, the Chamber said this week, releasing finalists for its 2021 Small Business Equity Award. The contenders: 13 leading businesses — ranging from lifestyle brands and tech startups to a Kansas City talent agency and an addiction…

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Girls in ‘tough-boy’ jobs: Young welders torch outdated beads on what’s possible

By Tommy Felts / June 15, 2021

Vanessa Bello and Adriana Figueroa feel a rush of adrenaline as they gear up in their welding uniforms and watch their blueprints come to life — it’s a feeling everyone deserves to experience, regardless of gender, they shared.  “It’s all dark but you see this little light while welding; then when you take off your…

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