Woman-led

Five KC startups find home, validation in Techstars 2021 class; Up next: new markets

Joining the latest class of Techstars Kansas City is expected to help startups like afloat scale what’s worked in Kansas City into other markets, said Sarah-Allen Preston, founder of a KC gift-sending app that connects users’ social circles, communities, and businesses. “Being selected for Techstars is a great validation for afloat’s momentum after a year…

Fund Me, KC: It’s more than a card game; Parkville woman channels inner Philosopher to evolve humanity

Startland News is continuing its “Fund Me, KC” series to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses or lend a helping hand to others. This is an opportunity for business owners — like Parkville creator Loni Louise Bernard with her Philosopher game — to share their crowdfunding stories and potentially gain backing from new…

Willa Robinson, Willa’s Books and Vinyl

KC’s only Black-owned book shop — forced to find a new home — hits crowdfunding goal in just a few days

More than 3,000 books and records surrounded Willa Robinson as her eyes danced between decades of knowledge and culture gathered in her neighborhood shop, Willa’s Books and Vinyl — the only Black-owned brick-and-mortar book store in Kansas City.  “Opening a store hadn’t been in my plans. I’m a collector, but then collecting got out of…

Photo courtesy of WeWork Lightwell

‘Resilient’ KC keeps adding jobs: How local tech companies can retain top talent amid hiring frenzy

Kansas City is adding tech jobs at a rapid pace, Kara Lowe said, but local companies would be wise to remember they aren’t the only ones hiring as the workforce redefines the geography of and need for high-density tech hubs. “Say you’re casting a wide net to catch top talent outside of Kansas city —…

Sheila Martinez, A.S.K. Associates, and Neelima Parasker, SnapIT Solutions

SnapIT acquires fellow minority-, woman-owned tech company, expands customer footprint into government solutions

SnapIT Solutions is scaling once again, announcing Tuesday the acquisition of a Lawrence-based tech company with a more-than-40-year legacy.  The Overland Park-based solutions and training company formally completed its purchase of A.S.K. Associates last month, signaling a path of steady and continued growth for SnapIT and the end of an era for the acquired company…