News

LEANLAB Education earns $200K grant from Chan Zuckerberg Initiative for public schools research

By Tommy Felts / April 9, 2019

A $200,000 grant to LEANLAB Education from Mark Zuckerberg’s philanthropic arm will mark the Facebook founder’s first investment in the Kansas City education scene. “We are committed to growing partnerships throughout the country,” said Katie Boody, LEANLAB CEO. “And with the support of [The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative] we aspire to write the playbook for how…

Butterflies and brain waves: KC-area’s Healium floating with WEBBY nomination

By Tommy Felts / April 9, 2019

A year of traction continues for Columbia-inflated startup Healium by StoryUP. The virtual reality solution for situational stress and anxiety recently landed a WEBBY nomination for best use of augmented reality, revealed Sarah Hill, the company’s founder. “A WEBBY nomination for a small midwest company like ours is a big deal,” Hill said of the…

Doob 3D aims to capitalize on ‘mecca for foot traffic’ with Country Club Plaza pop-up shop

By Tommy Felts / April 9, 2019

If you build it, they will come. More than a quote from the 1989 blockbuster, “Field of Dreams” — the seven word mantra is what’s pushing Doob 3D to embrace the curve balls of exposing Kansas City to new technology and pinch hit with a new pop-up location on the Country Club Plaza, said Nick Nikkhah.…

Mr. K Award finalists: RFP360, KC Bier Co., Charlie Hustle among Chamber’s Top 10 Small Businesses

By Tommy Felts / April 8, 2019

From one of Kansas City’s most popular breweries to a startup that streamlines the RFP process to an apparel company known for its big heart, 10 small businesses received surprise visits Friday — each now a finalist for the prestigious Mr. K Award. “The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce showered us with confetti today…

New industry-specific LaunchKC accelerators expected to bring more dollars, winners

By Tommy Felts / April 8, 2019

Applications for this year’s LaunchKC program are going vertical, said Drew Solomon, announcing plans for three industry-specific accelerators — two of which will launch new funding-rich demo days in the fall. “We’ve always wanted to grow and expand not only the competition, but the program as a whole,” said Solomon, chair of the LaunchKC program.…