News

Frank Norton; Photo by Chase Castor

Common threads: Designer draws on solidarity with restaurant scene for ‘KC Runs on Hospitality’

By Tommy Felts / May 13, 2020

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Even in an unpredictable world struck by COVID-19, imperfections often can strike…

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Drink it in: Nine agtech, dairy startups bring innovation, sustainability to 2020 DFA Accelerator

By Tommy Felts / May 13, 2020

An all-natural sports drink made from dairy by-products; handheld pizza and Philly cheesesteak cones; a green fashion brand that’s creating T-shirts from excess milk; and a hand-crafted spirit made from whey — innovative tastes of an American industry known for its most classic component: milk. Nine startups — hailing from across the nation and globe…

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Breakout KC escapes into virtual gaming with Zoom-based ‘Runaway Railcar’ experience

By Tommy Felts / May 12, 2020

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Five years into its journey, Swell Spark has become a perpetual startup…

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COVID-19’s cost to Silicon Valley could be Kansas City’s talent gain, startup leader predicts

By Tommy Felts / May 12, 2020

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Economic disruptions in Silicon Valley and other major startup hubs could mean…

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Erin Bopp, Lightwork DJ Mobilverse

16 winners: Micro-grant competition debuts with $30K in prizes to entrepreneurs who ‘need funds the most’

By Tommy Felts / May 11, 2020

Not all early-stage entrepreneurs and small businesses qualify for federal disaster loans, prompting an even greater need for programs like the new Dare to Venture Micro-Grant Competition, according to the Urban Business Growth Initiative. “At a critical time when small businesses need funds the most, the program offered a total of $30,000 in micro-grants to…

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