News

Jonaie Johnson, Interplay, University of Missouri-Kansas City

UMKC’s top student entrepreneur has a not-so-secret play: Startups are a team sport

By Tommy Felts / December 7, 2020

Editor’s note: This article is underwritten by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. From crafting custom-made bracelets in elementary school to prepping the launch for the world’s first interactive dog crate, Jonaie Johnson said she’s wanted…

Read More >
Walt Disney, 1922, Laugh-O-gram Studios in Kansas City

Historians, Mickey enthusiasts open the vault on plans for Walt Disney’s former KC studio

By Tommy Felts / December 4, 2020

A dream for local historians, restoration efforts at the Troost office building once occupied by Walt Disney are finally coming true, champions of the project teased Thursday. Within the walls of the formerly crumbling brick structure at 31st and Troost: neglected stories of Disney’s inspiration and impact — along with plans to reanimate the space with…

Read More >
Jim Atwater and Scott Brouillette, InReturn Strategies

No more band-aid solutions or pats on the back: How one firm connects companies, people with disabilities

By Tommy Felts / December 4, 2020

Editor’s note: This article is underwritten by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. What might seem like an obvious truth to some employers — that people with disabilities need extra help, becoming a drag on productivity…

Read More >
Socially distance drum circle club, Citizens of the World

‘Our kids aren’t lost,’ KC educator says, urging innovative strategies amid virtual learning concerns

By Tommy Felts / December 3, 2020

With heightened worries across the nation about the potential for virtual or remote learning to cause a “lost generation” among young students, Jon Hile urged Kansas City parents and the education community to shift their focus to the growing resilience and innovation already being seen across the metro.  “People raise several very valid and important…

Read More >
Maggie Kenefake, Royal Street Ventures, Kansas City University Venture Fund

Founders’ Lab aims to open access to the world of capital for underrepresented would-be startup, investment leaders

By Tommy Felts / December 3, 2020

A pandemic-founded program has students leading the charge as a new generation of founders and venture capitalists rises together against the backdrop of an evolving and accessible Kansas City, Maggie Kenefake said.  “With underrepresented founders, it’s really shocking,” said Kenefake, managing director of Kansas City University Venture Fund (KCUVF) and venture partner at Royal Street…

Read More >