Profiles

Yelp for DEI: New tech gives public a tool to share discrimination concerns in real-time, empowers companies to monitor, improve

By Tommy Felts / January 25, 2022

Aishah Augusta-Parham’s tech platform has a goal rooted in impact: help business owners become more mindful of diversity, equity, inclusion efforts in their day-to-day operations — better ensuring their customers do business with companies and brands that embody shared values.  “We are the Yelp of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Augusta-Parham said, detailing the mission behind…

Read More >

Ronawk accelerates its growth with exec hires, creation of expansive ‘Bio-Block Universe’

By Tommy Felts / January 21, 2022

Synergy and chemistry are just as important as expertise when hiring strategic, high-level positions within a startup, said A.J. Mellott. “Ronawk has gone from this startup with its organized chaos, to having structured pathways that have emerged because we are better informed. That in itself has been really exciting and stimulating. We are more of…

Read More >

After years searching for belonging, new VFA director discovers like minds within startup workforce fellowship

By Tommy Felts / January 14, 2022

Craig Moore’s new role at Venture for America gives him even greater opportunities to boost representation for entrepreneurs and workers of color, the Black Excellence KC co-founder said. And VFA already has been doing the work, he added. “This is probably the most culturally aware group I have ever been a part of,” said Moore,…

Read More >

‘People eat with their eyes first’: Why pop-ups were just a sample of this new bakery’s appeal

By Tommy Felts / January 12, 2022

Brown Suga Bakes began modestly — selling cookies out of lunch bags mid-pandemic, said Ebony Paul-Harris, detailing a strategy of starting small to achieve big results. In her case: opening the oven to a brick-and-mortar bakery and storefront in Olathe. “In the beginning, we used to make really small cookies. We also had a sample…

Read More >

Bluetooth your burnt ends: BBQ tech startup fires up new way to keep tabs on those slabs

By Tommy Felts / January 12, 2022

FireBoard is smoking toward its seventh office in seven years as hiring and product development heat up for the ever-expanding Kansas City-based maker of cloud-connected digital thermometers — a staple tool of many BBQ enthusiasts and restauranteurs. It’s latest addition: the FireBoard Spark, an entry-level meat thermometer with a lower price point than previous models,…

Read More >
[adinserter block="4"]