News

How AI changes the the founder code: ‘This is all moving faster than anyone expected’

By Tommy Felts / November 14, 2025

New tech opportunities — like artificial intelligence — hold the potential to equalize the Kansas City region among more established startup hubs, investment leaders said Thursday, but to fully take advantage, entrepreneurs who want strong, lasting companies must have a fire inside them. Not to mention grit. “Several really incredible entrepreneurs said, ‘I think the one…

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‘This is the dream’: Starty Party turns up the volume on Kansas City tech, collaboration (Photos)

By Tommy Felts / November 13, 2025

It isn’t a party without the people, said organizers of the Starty Party, gathering a crowd of startup veterans, early stage founders, investors and community leaders Wednesday for a one-night celebration of innovation — set against the backdrop of homegrown music and vibes. “This is amazing,” said Melissa Vincent, CEO of Pipeline Entrepreneurs, from the Starty…

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KC preps for World Cup all-nighter, taste testing 23-hour drinking window for summer games

By Tommy Felts / November 13, 2025

Entrepreneurs want to tap into all the potential business they can when an estimated 650,000 visitors descend on Kansas City for the World Cup, said Jim Ready, detailing plans for a temporary expansion of alcohol sales in KCMO to accommodate a global audience in June and July 2026. The move is more of a stress…

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Kauffman narrows Uncommon Leader contenders to five finalists from community orgs

By Tommy Felts / November 12, 2025

Kansas City leaders advancing toward the Kauffman Foundation’s high-profile impact award all demonstrate bold, creative, and inclusive leadership, said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, announcing five finalists for the inaugural honor. “Each of these leaders reminds us that one person can make a difference, and that compassion and dedication can change the lives of the people we…

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KC-built app locks down vulnerable users’ data before they can share it with online scammers

By Tommy Felts / November 11, 2025

He’s a startup founder today, but a protective brother first, said Danny Moran, describing how his sister with special needs motivated the launch of an app to protect vulnerable people engaging in a digital world too often filled with bad actors. “She’s been scammed online multiple times over the past 10 years, causing significant financial…

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