Woman-led

Damika Clay

How Stick Figure Bully’s simple lines and shapes rewrite one woman’s childhood trauma as a cautionary tale

By Tommy Felts / December 10, 2020

Editor’s note: This article is underwritten by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. A creative spirit, Damika Clay recalled a white sweatshirt on which she loved to write and draw designs. The same item she proudly…

Read More >

$1M investment in new impact fund to boost minority and women-owned ventures in KC

By Tommy Felts / December 8, 2020

A $1 million cash injection from The Sunderland Foundation will further efforts to bolster the only impact-oriented, opportunity zone fund focused entirely on Kansas City.  equity2 Partners announced the investment Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for the mission driven impact investment firm which has committed to deploying capital in inclusive and equitable ways — especially amid the…

Read More >
Kenzen team, pre-COVID-19 pandemic

Kenzen finds capital in Kansas City as market for startup’s speciality wearables heats up

By Tommy Felts / December 7, 2020

Editor’s note: This article is underwritten by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. Take a closer look, Heidi Lehmann urged, detailing her once-outsider’s view of Kansas City and ways it revealed a robust and evolving pipeline…

Read More >
Jonaie Johnson, Interplay, University of Missouri-Kansas City

UMKC’s top student entrepreneur has a not-so-secret play: Startups are a team sport

By Tommy Felts / December 7, 2020

Editor’s note: This article is underwritten by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. From crafting custom-made bracelets in elementary school to prepping the launch for the world’s first interactive dog crate, Jonaie Johnson said she’s wanted…

Read More >
Socially distance drum circle club, Citizens of the World

‘Our kids aren’t lost,’ KC educator says, urging innovative strategies amid virtual learning concerns

By Tommy Felts / December 3, 2020

With heightened worries across the nation about the potential for virtual or remote learning to cause a “lost generation” among young students, Jon Hile urged Kansas City parents and the education community to shift their focus to the growing resilience and innovation already being seen across the metro.  “People raise several very valid and important…

Read More >