Startups

Eliot Arnold, MoodSpark

MoodSpark buys defunct startup’s IP, minds focused on disrupting elderly veterans’ depression 

By Tommy Felts / May 11, 2022

A slew of new patents and tools are now in the hands of a KCK-rooted startup that aims to protect aging military veterans that suffer from loneliness, anxiety and depression.  MoodSpark has acquired assets previously held by California-based Dthera Sciences — an early leader of the digital therapeutics space, known for its innovative quality of life…

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Brian King, Realto

KC investors power $4.5M round for OP startup poised to ‘unlock billions’ for its customers

By Tommy Felts / May 5, 2022

Overland Park-based Realto has closed a $4.5 million funding round — thanks in large part to the backing of Kansas City-based investors.  “We’re excited to welcome these important investors as we continue to expand our robust trading capabilities across the universe of alternative products,” Brian King, co-founder and CEO, said in announcement of the funding round which…

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Generation Esports

Esports startup closes $19M Series B, solidifying position as scholastic esports leader

By Tommy Felts / May 3, 2022

Generation Esports, a Kansas City-based, global community-focused esports organization and tournament platform, announced Tuesday that it secured an additional $19 million in financing, which includes the acquisition of a Santa Monica-based technology leader, Wizard Labs Inc. The Series B round was led by Bay Area-based early-stage investor Altos Ventures — the main investors in online…

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Healium team at the NFLPA (National Football League Players Association) Pitch Day

Healium wins $50K in NFL pitch competition with play for pro athlete’s brain, heart health

By Tommy Felts / May 2, 2022

Patrick Mahomes is no longer Missouri’s only MVP in the eyes of the NFL. The organization’s player’s association just crowned a Columbia-based startup the $50,000 winner of its annual pitch contest.  In late April, NFLPA Pitch Day brought six diverse-led startups to Las Vegas to compete for prizes in its annual contest. Among them was…

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