Disney’s deal with OpenAI is dead, but the villain of the story is still lurking, KC theater owner says
Don’t roll credits just yet, said Adam Roberts. The collapse of a deal that would’ve licensed some of Disney’s most popular characters to an AI generator doesn’t mean the end for the fan-inspired, on-demand custom video content that studio executives envisioned (and many cinephiles like Roberts revile). News broke Tuesday that OpenAI was shuttering its…
Truss the plan: How KC’s newest hotspot could be a model for infrastructure renewal (60 feet above the Kansas River)
When Rock Island Bridge opens April 1, it’ll not only be a destination nightlife experience and river-spanning festival grounds, said Mike Zeller; the completed “bridge as land” concept is expected to serve as a first-of-its-kind redevelopment proof point that builds on uniquely Kansas City resilience and collaboration. “This is a bridge for everyone. It unites…
This brand on the rise smells a lot like cookies fresh out the oven; why Brown Suga tastes better in Leawood
A fan-favorite Kansas City cookie shop has found its sweet spot in Leawood’s mixed-use Park Place district, said founder Ebony Paul, noting the setting for Brown Suga Bakes’ second storefront clicked right away. “We have people coming in from other businesses, visitors from the hotels, and residents from nearby apartment complexes,” she explained. “We see…
KC-backed (and built) AI startup rebrands amid shift to tackling America’s supply chain pain points
With its pivot from video transcriptions to bulk inventory tracking, one of Kansas City’s most-promising, emerging tech startups is rebranding to match the new direction, co-founders Warren Wang and Cole Robertson said. “‘Rebulk‘ feels like the right name for the future we want to build,” said Wang, reflecting on the company’s efforts to use AI-powered…
The end of gear hunting: Wacka wants to automate-away manual price chasing
Late nights. Too many browser tabs. Price comparisons across half a dozen retailers. Waiting weeks for the right moment to buy. Justen Wack knows exactly how outdoor gear purchases usually happen, he said — because the tech founder used to grind through the process himself. It’s a ritual familiar to skiers, cyclists, backpackers and climbers…
No late risers: KC’s hottest line leads to a sell-out doughnut; owners balance appetite with days-long production
At 4:45 a.m. on a rainy Saturday morning, Susan Worrel of Overland Park was first in line at the new Slow Rise doughnut shop by her subdivision. She had tried the week before, arriving an hour before the doors opened, only to find a line of hungry would-be diners stretching down the shopping center. The…
Kansas City data centers and AI flip the script on job security
Editor’s note: This story was originally published by The Beacon, a member of the KC Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story from The Beacon, an online news outlet focused on local, in-depth journalism in the public interest….
C2FO passes half-trillion-dollar mark as businesses pivot to working capital from traditional debt
In a high-cost environment, businesses across the globe are prioritizing “on-demand” liquidity over new debt, said Sandy Kemper, announcing Wednesday that Kansas City-based C2FO has now provided more than a half-trillion dollars in working capital to entrepreneurs worldwide. “Hitting half a trillion of funding with zero credit loss is something fairly unique in the financial…
Redbud VC drops $25M Fund II in its attempt to ‘out-hustle the market’ for top talent, Midwest unicorns
A new $25 million fund for Columbia-based Redbud VC is expected to help identify and develop top-tier, pre-seed innovators before they head to the coasts to find more abundant capital, said Brett Calhoun. “There isn’t an underground hacker house pumping out unicorn founders,” said Calhoun, general partner at Redbud VC, in a blog post. “The…
Thai Orchid expansion blossoms; new restaurant coming to emerging foodie destination
It’s time to bring Thai Orchid’s homecooking, well … home, said second-generation owner Jonathan Rojjanasrirat, teasing the October opening of a new Shawnee location for his family-owned, street food-inspired restaurant in a thriving entertainment district. “We live in Shawnee. We’ve always loved the energy in the downtown area. With so many great spots, it’s become…
