Profiles

Fund me, KC: From poverty to center stage, singer/songwriter wants to give back

By Tommy Felts / October 2, 2017

Editor’s note: Startland News is continuing its segment to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for innovators to share their stories to gain a little help from their supporters. If you or your startup is running a crowdfunding campaign, let us know by contacting news@startlandnews.com  Who are you? My…

Read More >

High school student wants to secure a better world for girls in STEM

By Tommy Felts / September 29, 2017

In 2015, Ruby Rios — sophomore at Bishop Miege High School at the time — arrived late to the first day of her college-level computer science class at Johnson County Community College. “I got lost, so I walked in late wearing my high school uniform in a room full of 30 college guys,” Rios said.…

Read More >
Gerald Smith

KCultivator: Plexpod founder Gerald Smith on Internet trolls, anti-gravity machines, man crush

By Tommy Felts / September 22, 2017

Editor’s note: KCultivators is a lighthearted profile series to highlight people who are meaningfully enriching Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Check out our features on innovation coach Diana Kander, Victor & Penny’s Erin McGrane, SEED Law’s Adrienne Haynes, Code Koalas’ Robert Manigold, Prep-KC CEO Susan Wally and community builder Donald Carter. Plexpod is more than a shared…

Read More >
Heather Spalding and Joel Teply, co-founders of Cambrian

LaunchKC $100K winner Cambrian Tech taking simple idea to new reality

By Tommy Felts / September 21, 2017

After winning LaunchKC’s grand prize — $100,000 — Cambrian Tech has its virtual eyes on another prize: total interior home transformation. “The goal is to open your phone, walk around and visualize any project you may consider doing,” co-founder Joel Teply said. “From walls, countertops, backsplashes, flooring, cabinetry, appliances, hardware and landscaping.” DIY tech presents…

Read More >

Techstars Spotlight: Somatic Labs’ sees freedom from distraction in touch tech

By Tommy Felts / September 20, 2017

Somatic Labs is designing a technology for a future without screens, founder Shantanu Bala said. Imagine this: You’re driving in an unfamiliar neighborhood and instead of needing to look at your phone for directions, your wearable device uses physical sensations to direct you to your destination, keeping your eyes on the road. Or maybe you’re…

Read More >