Profiles

Keith Harrington and Carlos Antequera, Novel Growth Partners

Novel Growth announces new $12M+ fund, expansion to Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis

By Tommy Felts / December 10, 2019

An oversubscribed first fund for Novel Growth Partners will help the Kansas City-based financing firm expand its tech investments in Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis. With more than $12 million banked for the fund, Novel is poised to use its unique revenue-based financing model to focus on boosting B2B software startups, the firm said in…

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Clarence Tan and Edna Martinson, Boddle Learning

Boddle scores $25K AT&T Aspire audience award thanks to tough love on duo’s most difficult pitch

By Tommy Felts / December 9, 2019

Just because a pitch is tough doesn’t mean it won’t payoff, said Clarence Tan.  “Smiles will take you miles,” Tan, CEO and cofounder of Boddle Learning, said of his and co-founder Edna Martinson’s latest pitch at the AT&T Pitches and Purpose contest in San Francisco — the pair’s most difficult presentation to date, they said…

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Jeff Jones, H&R Block

H&R Block plans $3.5M in KC investments to combat social isolation, boost entrepreneurs

By Tommy Felts / December 9, 2019

H&R Block filed its intentions Thursday to contribute $6.5 million over the next five years to support neighborhood revitalization and the success of small businesses nationally — with $3.5 million slated specifically for Kansas City. “Make Every Block Better” teams the Kansas City-born tax preparation giant with five key partners in the local entrepreneur and…

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My Bear Jeff

Fund Me, KC: My Bear Jeff spreads comfort to child trauma survivors, bear to bear

By Tommy Felts / December 5, 2019

Startland News is continuing its “Fund Me, KC” series to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs — like Rachel Cohen with her My Bear Jeff campaign — to share their crowdfunding stories to gain a little help from their supporters. Who are you? Rachel Cohen, Chief Bear Officer…

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Ben Jackson named to Forbes’ ‘30 Under 30’ list, capping year of growth, accolades for Bungii

By Tommy Felts / December 4, 2019

Building something cool requires doing a lot of uncool things — tasks and tactics most people are unwilling to undertake, said Ben Jackson. “The daily grind isn’t glamorous and it’s not fun,” said Jackson, co-founder of Overland Park-headquartered Bungii and an honoree on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list for consumer technology. “Success is a matter…

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