News Stories
Olathe startup set to launch STEM training facility; plans to create 150 jobs over next seven years
Starting as two scientists with an idea to solve slow and costly cell production, Ronawk has now blossomed into a rapidly growing startup with an increasing demand for its work, said A.J. Mellott. “We quickly realized that Ronawk was going to need a lot of talent to meet the demand of its products,” said Mellott,…
R3AL potential: Why Suli4Q’s work in KC doesn’t stop with the final track on his Top 10 hip hop album
A wildly successful 2020 for indie performer Suli4Q wouldn’t mean as much if the entertainer, entrepreneur, and evangelist for Kansas City prosperity didn’t also focus on impact in the real world, he said. “In my journey, my biggest goal in reaching my full potential is being able to visibly see the changes that I’m having…
Talent agency plans Next Paige in Kansas City’s story; a $50K grant could bring dream closer to reality
A shift in the arts and entertainment world is allowing Kansas City creatives to step into roles they’ve long deserved, Elaina Paige Thomas said, looking back on a performance career — and new opportunities — that reflect childhood dreams dancing toward reality. “It has been a journey and I never imagined being here this quickly,…
How a $290M investment from Insight Partners is expected to accelerate Kansas govtech company’s expansion
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. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. A…
‘Not Mexican enough, not American enough’: How a KCK restaurateur found his identity through food, family
Born in Mexico, Kansas-raised Carlos Mortera is defined by two, sometimes-conflicting cultures, he said — a contrast that led him to question his own identity, but ultimately answer with culinary creations that reflect a diverse Kansas City experience. “When I was younger, I struggled with feeling like I’m not from either place,” shared Mortera, who…
