News

Photo by Jakob Owens Sharkoff shark bite survivor

5-year-old shark bite survivor returns to the ocean with help of SharkOFF wearable, founder says

By Tommy Felts / July 19, 2019

A sweet taste of its do-good mission has Kansas City-based SharkOff eyeing new ideas, explained Shea Geist, recounting the tale of 5-year-old Violet Jalil’s journey back into the ocean.  “Several months ago we got a big order from [Violet’s mom,] Jessica [Veatch], and she commented when she put in her order, talking about her daughter…

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Sarah Hill, StoryUp

StoryUp levels up again: KC-area VR startup secures spot at Apple camp for women-led tech

By Tommy Felts / July 19, 2019

It’s the ultimate “nerdy” thing for tech entrepreneurs, Sarah Hill said as Columbia-based startup, StoryUP joins an Apple summer cohort — specifically designed to support women-led companies.  “To have direct communication, to troubleshoot in an area of media that’s difficult to create. It is valuable for us and we’re honored and we’re really excited about…

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Scott Ford, Pepper

You’ll soon have 20+ smart devices in your home; How many will steal your data? 

By Tommy Felts / July 18, 2019

Consumers of smart technology need to be wary of most of the lesser-known brands in retail stores, said Scott Ford. “Most likely they’re using a platform architecture that sits on a foreign market, sending your data to who knows where, without the protections that are common in the U.S,” said Ford, CEO of Pepper IoT,…

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Quest Moffat, Project UK demo day 2018

Project UK earns $100K prize to help build out tech ecosystem, connected community

By Tommy Felts / July 18, 2019

A $100,000 injection will position Project United Knowledge for growth that could further fill diversity and inclusion gaps in Kansas City’s tech ecosystem.   The accelerator program landed the investment as a winner of the Kapor Center’s $1 million Tech Done Right National Challenge, said Quest Moffat, head of innovation at Project UK.  Beyond financial support,…

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Wesley Hamilton, Disabled But Not Really, and Karamo Brown, "Queer Eye"; image courtesy of Netflix

More than a makeover: ‘Queer Eye’ gives Wesley Hamilton an opportunity to thank the shooter who put him in a wheelchair

By Tommy Felts / July 16, 2019

Wesley Hamilton’s clear vision for his potential impact took away the nerves while in front of cameras for Netflix’s “Queer Eye,” he said.  “Me being able to get on a show with that type of exposure and spread my message to those within my community and outside of it… I’m just really excited for the…

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