Startups

Project United Knowledge, Cohort 2

Project UK banks $50K JPMorgan Chase Foundation investment via ‘united effort’ with UMKC Innovation Center

By Tommy Felts / August 13, 2019

A hefty infusion of funding is expected to help Project United Knowledge offer more tools to black, Latinx and other professionals from underrepresented groups, according to the UMKC Innovation Center.  The $50,000 investment from the JPMorgan Chase Foundation was awarded to the UMKC Innovation Center, which partners with Project UK to deliver programming, resources and…

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Clara Biotech boasts first-of-its-kind cancer detection from lab in Lawrence

By Tommy Felts / August 13, 2019

A Kansas startup says its cancer detection process — requiring only a single blood sample — could dramatically simplify a often-harrowing health care experience, as well as lead to personalized treatments for illnesses ranging from cancer to neurological diseases like Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis.  Clara Biotech — based in Lawrence at the BioScience and Technology…

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OHUB Kansas City

OHUB’s ‘unapologetic’ arrival in KC comes with $300K in support; ‘Cosby Show’ alum at Friday event

By Tommy Felts / August 13, 2019

A familiar face from pop culture and $300,000 in entrepreneurial support are just two highlights tied to the Opportunity Hub’s new effort to build a more inclusive startup ecosystem in Kansas City.   “Many times, [building an inclusive community] involves hosting a series of frequently held, branded events that introduce community stakeholders to black and Latinx…

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Ready to ghost summer? Boozy ‘spookeasy’ pop-up concepts pour ‘horror movies in a cup’

By Tommy Felts / August 10, 2019

A graveyard smash is expected to sweep the metro this fall as two Kansas City hotspots prepare to unleash new pop-up bar concepts for Halloween.  “Ever since I watched ‘The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror’ when I was like 8, I have been into, in some manner, scary things,” said Edward Schmalz, founder of Pawn and…

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Photo courtesy of Zohr Dallas

Zohr takes startup lessons on the road as on-demand tire service expands to Dallas streets

By Tommy Felts / August 8, 2019

As Zohr drives toward national expansion, the on-demand tire services startup is already finding success in Dallas, replicating the metro-wide experience it made popular in hometown Kansas City, said Komal Choong. “We’re getting great responses from our early adopters,” the Zohr co-founder and CEO said. “So we’re very optimistic that it’ll continue to grow, just…

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