Latest Stories

Animal health firms can now apply for key Kansas City investor forum

The Kansas City Animal Health Corridor is now accepting applications for its eighth-annual investor forum that brings together the top decision makers in the animal health industry. The forum — set for Aug. 30 — will welcome dozens of venture capital organizations from around the world and offer animal health companies the chance to score…

Unearthing Kansas City’s startup gems (with your help)

Last week, Startland News published its Top 10 startups and four honorable mentions to watch in 2016. By and large, the piece has been well received with thousands of readers issuing kudos to startups that made the list. But as with any subjective “Top 10-whatever” list, we expected grumbles about the worthiness of the startups…

‘I’ve been breaking bureaucracies for 24 years’ Kansas City’s new CIO opens up

There’s a new hand at the helm of Kansas City innovation, and it belongs to that of Bob Bennett. A 24-year veteran of the U.S. Army, Bennett kicked off his tenure as the second-ever chief innovation officer of the City of Kansas City, Mo. on Jan. 1, taking the lead on an array of civic…

Roberts: My New Year’s resolution is a lie

Someone recently asked me what my New Year’s resolution was. I panicked and made one up on the spot. It was about learning to bake. I feel badly about that for a few reasons: It was inane; It was a lie—nothing short of a psychotic break could change my personality to give me the patience…

Advisors, role models and the importance of ‘champions’

“What types of support relationships do you find beneficial as a startup founder?” I asked a group of six women founders this question as part of a whiteboard conversation conducted last year by WhiteSpace Consulting and Startland News. Their answers reveal a broad range of support relationships, including one that is a must-have for every…

Crowdfunding law has changed, here’s what you need to know

Editors note: This piece was originally published Jan. 7, 2016. The Securities and Exchange Commission’s expanded rules for equity crowdfunding went into effect May 16.    This past October, the SEC unveiled its final equity crowdfunding regulations set to take effect May 16. For the first time in the U.S., entrepreneurs will be able to…

Events Preview: Second Fridays, weekend coding events

There are a boatload of entrepreneurial events hosted in Kansas City on a weekly basis. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, supporter or curious Kansas Citian, we’d recommend these upcoming events for you. WEEKLY EVENT PREVIEW Second Fridays When: Friday, January 8 @ 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm Where: Village Square Coworking Studio Second Fridays is simply a…

Top 10 Kansas City startups to watch in 2016

Kansas City is home to countless startups. But what early-stage ventures are the most promising and worth a closer look? As we entered 2016, Startland News evaluated the area’s top startups based on the strength of their team, current traction, disruptiveness and job growth potential. Below is a list of the top 10 area enterprises we’ve…

Settle up with Uncle Sam early (and other tax tips for startups)

Whether it’s your first year of startup life or your twentieth, it’s a great feeling to wrap up the year on December 31 and see just how far you’ve come.  January starts off full of promise, and then you remember: You still need to settle up with Uncle Sam. To help put the final ribbon…

The WTF Series: Augmented Reality

On a daily basis, Ben Kittrell translates the jargon-filled world of technology for clients of his tech consultancy. The Words that Frustrate (WTF) series aims to offer readers some clarity in an industry dominated by techies’ confusing argot. Thanks to the Oculus Rift device, you probably heard last year’s buzz on virtual reality. The device,…