Startups

Second-shift startup: Wobblrs pins soccer-inspired game’s future to youth sports pivot

By Tommy Felts / September 11, 2018

Wobblrs, a soccer-specific tailgating game, is refocusing its niche on youth development, said Roberto Camacho. The game, which involves two self-righting pins for players to knock over by kicking a soccer ball, is proving to be a valuable exercise in aiming, as well as a basic introduction to soccer, said Camacho. “I had a few…

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Nickel & Dime

Nickel & Dime supplement club relocates to KC, aims to disprove industry stereotypes

By Tommy Felts / September 11, 2018

Startup nutrients like location, atmosphere and opportunity have proven the right dosage to lure another young company to Kansas City, said Ben Harris. “[Our move] allows us to ship two days domestically anywhere in the United States,” the co-founder of Nickel & Dime supplement club said. Launched by Harris and co-founder, Michael Giangregorio earlier this…

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Rich Dunfield IV, Native Hemp Co.

CBD startup: Young father sees Native Hemp Co. as the launch of a health revolution

By Tommy Felts / September 8, 2018

At 21 years old, Rich Dunfield IV felt like an absentee father, he said. Struck in his prime with painful ailments after a tick bite — nerve and belly problems, anxiety and depression — he was home but not present. “My entire life was rooted in fatherhood. I started young, but I embraced it. Lyme…

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KC Crew

KC Crew’s fall leagues set to be first players in overhauled Hy-Vee Arena

By Tommy Felts / September 7, 2018

The newly renovated Hy-Vee Arena in Kansas City’s West Bottoms is like a giant sports coworking space, said Luke Wade. Coffee shops, restaurants, chiropractors, physical therapists, and other offerings are joining his adult sports and events company in the revamped former Kemper Arena facility, said Wade, founder of KC Crew. And although the arena officially…

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DogSpot

KCMO provides welcoming spot for NY-based high-tech kennel startup, DogSpot

By Tommy Felts / September 7, 2018

Kansas City stands out among 30 different DogSpot partner cities for cutting through bureaucracy to help startups grow, said Chelsea Brownridge. DogSpot — a service that delivers internet-connected, air-conditioned, standalone dog kennels for pet owners to “park” their dogs while, for example, shopping or running errands — teamed with the City of Kansas City, Missouri,…

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