News

John Bertrand, Daupler, Techstars Kansas City 2018 Demo Day

KCRise Fund launches second fund; first investments in backstitch, Bungii, Daupler

By Tommy Felts / August 21, 2019

KCRise Fund today announced the launch of its second fund — KCRise Fund II — along with three new investments in high-growth, early-stage Kansas City tech companies. Backstitch, Bungii and Daupler are the latest startups to join the KCRise Fund family, and the first three portfolio companies for the new fund. All three are featured…

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Photo courtesy of Clever Fools

Spray can inspiration: ‘Streets wear the brand’ for graffiti-influenced Clever Fools

By Tommy Felts / August 20, 2019

It’s a brand already plastered across the Crossroads Arts District, skating with increasing reach into the broader Kansas City fashion scene, Clever Fools creator Alex Trinkle said. All courtesy of guerrilla marketing and effectively mysterious social media for the clothing line. “The streets actually wear the brand,” said Trinkle, echoing the brand’s motto. “As in…

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Matt Watson and Matt DeCoursey, Startup Hustle

Startup Hustle podcast breaks into Apple’s Top 100 with robust guest list of startup icons

By Tommy Felts / August 20, 2019

The on-air formula is as simple as the Startup Hustle podcast’s name: Match innovative personalities with compelling startup topics, said Matt DeCoursey, as the guest list count for the popular podcast now soars past 150. “The people we have had on the show — like Sandy Kemper — people like him are really intriguing,” said…

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Photo courtesy of Dimensional Innovations

How a KC design firm bottled J Rieger’s history into a distillery experience built on detail (Photos)

By Tommy Felts / August 19, 2019

Pairing a homegrown company on the cutting edge of design with the creator of “Kansas City Whiskey” was the perfect match for telling the storied history of J. Rieger and Co., said Andy Rieger. In an awe-striking ode to the company’s nearly century-old prohibition-era roots, co-founder Rieger commissioned Dimensional Innovations two years ago to craft…

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Chris Goode, Ruby Jean's Juicery

Ruby Jean’s Whole Foods spot will blend in Troost inclusivity, Chris Goode pledges

By Tommy Felts / August 15, 2019

As Chris Goode prepares to open a new Ruby Jean’s location Saturday inside a Whole Foods Market south of the Country Club Plaza, the health enthusiast’s hustle hasn’t outpaced his thirst for community, he said. “From Troost to Brookside, Ruby Jean’s will continue to create a truly inclusive space,” Goode said, referencing the popular Ruby…

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