Startups

Who’s getting funded in KC? The answer requires a long look in the mirror, analysts say

By Tommy Felts / September 21, 2021

Editor’s note: Startland News asked industry experts to take an early look at the data behind the 2021 Kansas City Venture Capital-Backed Companies Report — the culmination of a three-month collaboration between UMKC’s Technology Venture Studio and Startland News, and presented by Mylo, a Lockton Company. Below are some of their leading takeaways, along with…

Read More >

2021 Kansas City’s VC-Backed Companies Report

By Tommy Felts / September 21, 2021

Higher headcounts and more than a billion dollars in funds raised. The 2021 Kansas City Venture Capital-Backed Companies Report provides a rare snapshot into the bustling, two-state metro’s growth-stage, venture-backed companies. The 2021 report — the culmination of a three-month collaboration between UMKC’s Technology Venture Studio and Startland News — reflects not only ongoing deal…

Read More >
Makefully Studios animation

Makefully Studios earns $1M grant for problem-solving game co-designed by kids

By Tommy Felts / September 20, 2021

A Kansas City media company’s commitment to play-based research and development recently helped score Makefully Studios a $1 million government grant for a children’s problem-solving game. “There’s no other word but proud and grateful,” said Anna Jordan-Douglass, founder and chief creative officer of Makefully Studios, which recently was awarded the funds from the National Science Foundation’s…

Read More >
Ryan Townsend, Hively

Product without a pitch deck: How one startup tech veteran is seeding his new venture with ‘something real’ 

By Tommy Felts / September 16, 2021

Ryan Townsend has worked within some of Kansas City’s most headline-grabbing startups for years, but now he’s taking the lead with his product-driven venture Hively — focusing specifically on bringing a mobile-first solution to event management. “I’ve always been the technology guy,” Townsend said, referencing his time as chief technology officer at such companies as…

Read More >
Pipeline Entrepreneurs Donald Hawkins, First Boulevard, and Luke Lim, Tile Five

Pipeline pilots new ‘Pathway’ cohort to boost womxn, minority, rural founders into scaling position

By Tommy Felts / September 16, 2021

Editor’s note: Pipeline Entrepreneurs, a network and fellowship of high-performing entrepreneurs in the Midwest, is a community partner and financial supporter of Startland News. A new fellowship program designed exclusively for underserved entrepreneurs is expected to help better prepare founders who identify as womxn, minority, or are leading a business in a rural community to…

Read More >