Startups

Jeff Jones, H&R Block

H&R Block plans $3.5M in KC investments to combat social isolation, boost entrepreneurs

By Tommy Felts / December 9, 2019

H&R Block filed its intentions Thursday to contribute $6.5 million over the next five years to support neighborhood revitalization and the success of small businesses nationally — with $3.5 million slated specifically for Kansas City. “Make Every Block Better” teams the Kansas City-born tax preparation giant with five key partners in the local entrepreneur and…

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My Bear Jeff

Fund Me, KC: My Bear Jeff spreads comfort to child trauma survivors, bear to bear

By Tommy Felts / December 5, 2019

Startland News is continuing its “Fund Me, KC” series to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs — like Rachel Cohen with her My Bear Jeff campaign — to share their crowdfunding stories to gain a little help from their supporters. Who are you? Rachel Cohen, Chief Bear Officer…

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Ben Jackson named to Forbes’ ‘30 Under 30’ list, capping year of growth, accolades for Bungii

By Tommy Felts / December 4, 2019

Building something cool requires doing a lot of uncool things — tasks and tactics most people are unwilling to undertake, said Ben Jackson. “The daily grind isn’t glamorous and it’s not fun,” said Jackson, co-founder of Overland Park-headquartered Bungii and an honoree on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list for consumer technology. “Success is a matter…

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Juaquan Herron, 2923 Comics

Pitch Pub Crawl returning to downtown Lee’s Summit with nine emerging KC startups

By Tommy Felts / December 4, 2019

Nine startup leaders are expected to compete this month for seed in downtown Lee’s Summit hot spots better known for hops. Velocity LS Pitch Pub Crawl is set to return 5 p.m. Dec. 12 at Bricks Pub & Grub,18 SE Third St., before moving on to Smoke Brewing Company, 209 SE Main St., Arcade Alley,…

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Aaron Deacon, Helix Health

Helix Health finds ‘enlightening’ support in Spencer Fane’s new STARTUP Lab, co-founder says

By Tommy Felts / December 4, 2019

Spencer Fane’s STARTUP Lab already is having an impact on its first selected company, Helix Health, said Aaron Deacon. “It has been a really enlightening experience for me,” said Deacon, co-founder of Helix Health alongside Anurag Patel, explaining support from the law firm. “To have the advice and help from other people who know how…

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