Woman-led

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

By Tommy Felts / June 8, 2021

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…

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

By Tommy Felts / June 7, 2021

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…

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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

By Tommy Felts / June 4, 2021

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…

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Photo courtesy of WeWork Lightwell

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

By Tommy Felts / June 3, 2021

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 —…

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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

By Tommy Felts / June 1, 2021

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…

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