Startups

Swappa marketplace Ben Edwards

American buying habits push Swappa to $70M in 2017 hand-me-down tech sales

By Tommy Felts / January 8, 2018

Grown from a one-person, side-hustle project to a team of more than 30 people, Kansas City-based Swappa is swelling. The user-to-user marketplace for buying and selling used technology enjoyed its best year to date in 2017. The platform sold more than $70 million in hand-me-down electronics in 2017 — up about 17 percent from 2016, said…

Read More >
Brian and Mary Rooney, BKS Artisan Ales

BKS Artisan Ales takes measured approach with nano-brewery concept

By Tommy Felts / January 6, 2018

It takes only about an hour for BKS Artisan Ales to sell out of its packaged bottles and cans each Saturday afternoon, Brian Rooney said. “We thought it would be great if maybe 40 people came in and maybe each of those 40 took a beer home,” said Rooney, a craft brewer who owns and…

Read More >
Daniel Smith, Porter House

Cultural differences contribute to entrepreneur access gap, Porter House founder says

By Tommy Felts / January 4, 2018

Early education about entrepreneurism and the resources available aren’t typically priorities in low- to moderate-income communities, said Daniel Smith. “A lack of access results because we don’t really have a lot of programs in our communities that focus on small business and entrepreneurism,” said Smith, founder of The Porter House KC. “It’s more focused on…

Read More >
Tommy Saunders, FEWDM

FEWDM drops high-tech fitness devices, pivots to workout apparel

By Tommy Felts / January 2, 2018

Not every promising startup venture can keep the ball moving toward the end zone. It’s a lesson FEWDM founder Tommy Saunders says he’s blessed to have learned — despite the bittersweet turn for the former Detroit Lions receiver’s company. “We have a strong brand that our customers connect with and have grown to love,” Saunders…

Read More >
Bow Blast KC

Fund Me, KC: Bow Blast KC soft combat offers adrenaline-pumping fun

By Tommy Felts / December 21, 2017

Editor’s note: Startland News is continuing its segment to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. If you or your startup is running a crowdfunding campaign, let us know by contacting news@startlandnews.com. Who are you? My name is Jason McCarthy, Owner of Bow Blast KC. What’s your product? We are a mix of dodgeball,…

Read More >