News Stories

Blade & Timber, Power & Light

LOOK INSIDE: Blade & Timber raises the bar (and kitchen) with Power & Light axe throwing

When Blade & Timber officially opens this weekend at Power & Light, the two-year-old startup concept will set a new standard for the growing experiences industry, said Jessie Poole. “We want to show people ‘This is what you should expect from an axe-throwing experience,’” said Poole, communication director for Blade & Timber. “We’ve been upping…

Bungii

$9.4M funding round steers Bungii toward ‘biggest sharing economy footprint in US’

A $9.4 million oversubscribed Series A round isn’t just an investor vote of confidence in Bungii, said Ben Jackson. It’s a funding fuel-up as the tech startup shifts expansion plans into high gear on the road to becoming the final link in the big and bulky supply chain. “By the end of 2021, we’ll still…

Laura Manivong, Fattyhead Keto Crust

Fattyhead feeds demand for keto-friendly pizza crust; What’s the founder’s secret?

Fattyhead began as a labor of love: a path toward a more healthful diet that transformed into a booming business for Kansas City native Laura Manivong. “I started feeling better, I started having energy and my body stopped hurting as much,” said Manivong, creator of her own low-carb, ketogenic pizza crust.  Manivong’s journey started 18…

Crystal German, Prosperity Labs, Startland's Innovation Exchange

Innovation versus inclusive prosperity: Can hub developers create both in Kansas City?

Place and prosperity go hand-in-hand, said William Dowdell. Less clear, however, is how developers and communities will strike a balance in their efforts to generate innovation and wealth in Kansas City. “Geography is a big part of this. When we talk about expanding opportunity and bringing innovation, we also have to look at those spaces…

Natalie and Bill Busch, TiScrubs, with the Royals' Sluggerrr

With an athletic look and fit, North KC’s TiScrubs aims to be the ‘Nike of scrubs’

The endurance and durability of TiScrubs help give medical professionals servicing children the air of an athlete stepping onto the field, said Natalie Busch. Founder of the North Kansas City startup, Busch saw the need for updated medical wear when working Team Smile, a nonprofit run by her husband, Bill, which partners with sports teams…