Startups

Jonaie Johnson, Interplay, University of Missouri-Kansas City

UMKC’s top student entrepreneur has a not-so-secret play: Startups are a team sport

By Tommy Felts / December 7, 2020

Editor’s note: This article is underwritten by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. From crafting custom-made bracelets in elementary school to prepping the launch for the world’s first interactive dog crate, Jonaie Johnson said she’s wanted…

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Jim Atwater and Scott Brouillette, InReturn Strategies

No more band-aid solutions or pats on the back: How one firm connects companies, people with disabilities

By Tommy Felts / December 4, 2020

Editor’s note: This article is underwritten by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. What might seem like an obvious truth to some employers — that people with disabilities need extra help, becoming a drag on productivity…

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Maggie Kenefake, Royal Street Ventures, Kansas City University Venture Fund

Founders’ Lab aims to open access to the world of capital for underrepresented would-be startup, investment leaders

By Tommy Felts / December 3, 2020

A pandemic-founded program has students leading the charge as a new generation of founders and venture capitalists rises together against the backdrop of an evolving and accessible Kansas City, Maggie Kenefake said.  “With underrepresented founders, it’s really shocking,” said Kenefake, managing director of Kansas City University Venture Fund (KCUVF) and venture partner at Royal Street…

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ScaleUP! Kansas City cohort

ScaleUP! KC seeks top-tier small businesses primed to scale; applications open through Dec. 23

By Tommy Felts / December 3, 2020

Impact doesn’t stop with the end of a ScaleUP! Kansas City cohort, said Jill Hathaway, and the program certainly isn’t pausing amid the ongoing pandemic, which has thrown many entrepreneurs for a loop. ScaleUP! KC is set to return in January for its 11th cohort, which now is a 16-week interactive virtual experience that blends…

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Alan Kneeland, The Combine

The Combine hopes to cultivate KC unity with pizza and cocktails on Troost

By Tommy Felts / December 2, 2020

Editor’s note: This article is underwritten by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. Pizzeria restaurateur Alan Kneeland’s connection to Troost slices both ways. “I actually grew up on 75th and Troost, so it’s pretty dope to…

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