News

Photo by Brad Neathery

The Village KC plans STEM camp, financial literacy efforts to help KCMO teens unlock potential

By Tommy Felts / February 13, 2020

A new sense of freedom is on the horizon for Kansas City teens as The Village KC opens its doors and empowers young people to find their futures.  “Freedom, to me, is access to opportunities that allow you to live well,” Di’Anna Saffold, founder and executive director, explained of ways The Village KC aims to…

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LaDonna Gooden, NeXtStage KC, AltCap

AltCap’s NeXt Stage KC launches with one goal: More ‘Yes’ for minority entrepreneurs

By Tommy Felts / February 12, 2020

Diversity is just good business, said LaDonna Gooden, emphasizing that companies with a variety of perspectives consistently outperform their competitors. “The opportunity really exists for everyone in this ecosystem to benefit and participate [in Kansas City’s startup scene],” said Gooden, entrepreneur in residence and coach for NeXt Stage KC, a program of AltCap. “I don’t…

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Jack Schraad, Brad Garlinghouse, Nathan Nichols, Mason Qualls, Daniel Jones, Craig DeWitt, and Pat Thelen; Ripple and KU Blockchain Institute

Startup Road Trip: Student-led KU Blockchain Institute has high-tech dreams with graduation nearing 

By Tommy Felts / February 11, 2020

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. LAWRENCE…

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Juaquan Herron

‘Scarlet Knight’ cuts through comic book stigma with real-life entrepreneur, brand crossovers

By Tommy Felts / February 11, 2020

Continuing his comic book quest to capture the realities of urban life, Juaquan Herron returns to drop the Scarlet Knight’s second volume — this time featuring some recognizable Kansas City faces, he said.  “It’s just one of those things where you definitely have to figure out other avenues to make the brand bigger — bigger…

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Zego Paylease

Nine months after KC startup’s exit, its new owner adopts ‘Zego’ name, identity

By Tommy Felts / February 11, 2020

Acquiring Kansas City-based Zego was a smart move for its new owner, the San Diego company said Tuesday — and a decision so impactful that the evolving tech platform is taking on the name and personality of the exited smart home startup. “We are excited to take the next steps in our company’s evolution,” said Dirk…

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