News

Get in front of investors: Deadline nearing for InvestMidwest premier venture showcase

By Tommy Felts / December 17, 2018

InvestMidwest presents more than just an opportunity for startups to pitch to a crowd from outside Kansas City, said Kyle FitzGerald. The event — which spotlights high-growth companies seeking at least $1 million — fosters real investor connections, he added. “It’s the region’s best chance to get in front of a high volume of very qualified…

Best-in-show FitBark pet tech now groomed for 2019 launch on FitBit

By Tommy Felts / December 17, 2018

Kansas City-bred FitBark is set to unleash a new partnership with industry-leading fitness wearable FitBit in early 2019, the company announced Monday. “For many of us, happiness is about helping others achieve their goals,” said Davide Rossi, CEO and co-founder of FitBark. “We may not have the motivation to get in the gym every day,…

Woof’s dog spa wagging into new markets with startup mindset, owner says

By Tommy Felts / December 17, 2018

It’s a classic startup tail: Disillusionment with corporate life sends a would-be founder fetching for fresh ideas and more innovative inspiration. Woof’s Play & Stay provided Andy Wiltz the opportunity to scratch that itch, the dog spa owner said. Purchasing the plateauing brand in 2015, Wiltz turned his original Merriam location into a model for…

Destiny Wealth moving HQ to KC; former football player owes debt of inspiration to mother

By Tommy Felts / December 15, 2018

Grit and the gridiron might have helped shape Parker Graham’s business acumen, but it’s the influence of his coach in the game of life who inspired Destiny Wealth — his fintech startup that soon will move to Kansas City. “My Mom stretched herself so thin and sometimes it was hard to put food on the…

LaunchKC pivoting from annual grants contest to supporting industry verticals, accelerators

By Tommy Felts / December 14, 2018

LaunchKC is expected to focus on specific business verticals in 2019 — an effort to bring companies to Kansas City that can fill industry gaps, said Jim Malle. A revamped version of the annual grants competition eventually would grow those verticals into individual accelerator programs, said Malle, business development officer at the Economic Development Corporation…