News

Freelance Exchange plans expo for gig-economy creators, panel on hiring solopreneurs

By Tommy Felts / September 26, 2018

An expo this week in Johnson County will put the work of freelance creators on display, as well as offer insight into the minds of Kansas City solopreneurs, said Cami Travis-Groves. The FX Portfolio Showcase — set for 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center — is expected to…

Movista exit: Mid-America Angels portfolio firm scores $12M growth equity investment

By Tommy Felts / September 26, 2018

A $12 million Series A growth equity investment in Movista is a significant win for Mid-America Angels, as well as for the region, said Laura McCoolidge. The Arkansas-based startup — which uses a mobile-first, real-time platform to power labor and workforce management software for retailers, manufacturers, and service providers — is among the leading portfolio…

Startup Crawl returning Oct 5 for First Friday with festival-style entertainment, innovation

By Tommy Felts / September 25, 2018

Editor’s note: Startup Crawl and Startland News are both programs of the Kansas City Startup Foundation, though the content below was produced independently by Startland. Startup Crawl has a carnival feel to it, said Lauren Conaway, noting the returning event is positioned to help startups collide with people who wouldn’t typically encounter the early-stage businesses.…

MECA students to Goodwill: Everyone has a mission now — what else are you selling?

By Tommy Felts / September 25, 2018

Editor’s note: MECA Challenge and Startland News are both programs of the Kansas City Startup Foundation, though the content below was produced independently by Startland. For more information on the relationship, click here. Goodwill must innovate and change with the times if it’s going to survive after 125 years in business, said Ed Lada. “The…

Prestio drives users to auto dealerships without traditional car buying pain points

By Tommy Felts / September 25, 2018

Gone are the days of traditional car buying for Ben Anderson, the first customer of Kansas City-based startup Prestio. Anderson, an accounting professional at CBIZ, had grown deeply frustrated by auto dealerships, he said. In fall 2017, he turned to Prestio –– a first-of-its-kind software-as-a-service platform that allows customers to buy, trade, and finance vehicle purchases…