Startups

Hayley Besheer, MADI Apparel

MADI Apparel founder: ‘It’s not just underwear, it’s dignity’

By Tommy Felts / December 21, 2018

Hayley Besheer relocated her apparel company’s headquarters from Florida to Kansas City after discovering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and curious customer base, the founder of MADI Apparel said. “Here [in KC] it feels more like [customers can] come into our space and can learn about the mission and [in Florida] everything was sold on online,”…

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2018 Startups to Watch

Year-end roundup: Checking in with Startland’s 2018 Startups to Watch

By Tommy Felts / December 21, 2018

It was a year of refinement, said Chris Goode, as well as a time to rejoice amid highs and lows at Ruby Jean’s Juicery. Startland checked in with the founder, along with his fellow 2018 Startups to Watch companies, to see if the past 12 months unfolded as predicted. While working to expand Ruby Jean’s…

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American Voter App

American Voter App gives power, political sway back to the people, founders say

By Tommy Felts / December 20, 2018

Gamifying the political process could score a more engaged voting public, said Dan Prince, co-founder of the American Voter App, explaining the still-developing technology would be the first to put the power of the ballot box conveniently into users’ smartphones, he said. “We all realize our obligation to be informed and educated and vote on…

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Edison Jumpstart

Edison Jumpstart grants offer early stage startups an office space entry point

By Tommy Felts / December 19, 2018

A new grants program will give entrepreneurs the opportunity to “try it before you buy it” — removing a barrier to entry for young startups looking for high-end office space, said Matt Druten, announcing the Edison Jumpstart Program. “We’ve always said [Edison Spaces’ flexible office setup] was built by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs,” said Druten, CEO…

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FitBark

Best-in-show FitBark pet tech now groomed for 2019 launch on FitBit

By Tommy Felts / December 17, 2018

Kansas City-bred FitBark is set to unleash a new partnership with industry-leading fitness wearable FitBit in early 2019, the company announced Monday. “For many of us, happiness is about helping others achieve their goals,” said Davide Rossi, CEO and co-founder of FitBark. “We may not have the motivation to get in the gym every day,…

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