Affinity Worldwide CEO hopes $1M gift to Kansas City Startup Foundation spurs more community giving

By Tommy Felts | August 6, 2017

Editor’s note: Michael Wrenn previously was the owner of Startland News and its parent organization, the Center for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development (CEED). [divide] I’m a big believer in counting blessings and doing my small part to give back. My wife, Becky Cole, CFO of Affinity Worldwide, is of the same mindset. We’ve enjoyed success over…

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Investor dinners, KC hospitality garner praise at Rise of the Rest Summit

By Tommy Felts | April 6, 2017

Kansas City’s hospitality recently took center stage at the national Rise of the Rest Summit in Washington, D.C. Addressing ecosystem leaders around the nation, KCRise Fund managing director Darcy Howe shared strategies she’s used to build the KCRise fund, including a tactic that’s nourishing area startups — literally and figuratively.  In addition to showcasing her…

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Built on speed, grown through community: The Kansas City Startup Village marks 4 years

By Tommy Felts | December 15, 2016

Editor’s note: St. Louis-based magazine EQ invited Startland News to write a feature story about one of the Kansas City’s innovation districts, Kansas City Startup Village, on the heels of its fourth anniversary. This story was originally published in EQ. As many entrepreneurs can attest, inspiration strikes anytime — including a late Sunday night. “This is going…

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MECA Challenge pushes area students to think more entrepreneurially

By Tommy Felts | November 9, 2016

Editor’s note: Startland News is an affiliate organization of MECA Challenge, both of which are operated by CEED LLC.  A competition that challenges students to solve startups’ business problems is gaining traction in Kansas City. MECA Challenge is an entrepreneurial problem-solving contest for high school- and college-aged students that aims to transform education and produce…

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