We Create KC report: Half of top VC-backed companies tapped early-stage support

By Tommy Felts | April 5, 2019

In 2018, 50 percent of the top venture capital-funded companies in Kansas City got their start with early-stage investment programs that emerged after 2012, according to We Create KC 2019, KCSourceLink’s sixth annual state of entrepreneurship report. “That high percentage shows us how important these early-stage investment programs are to our entrepreneurs and our ecosystem,”…

Read More

Experts weigh in: Why do StartupNames Alwayz Loook Lyke Dis?

By Tommy Felts | January 17, 2017

At times, it seems like startups are waging war on the English language. From merged words to missing vowels to what appears to onomatopoeia, startup names can be as creative as they are baffling. “It’s almost as if everyone is rebelling against Webster’s dictionary,” said Anita Newton, vice president of marketing at AdParlor. So, what’s…

Read More

Tech firm LendingStandard raises $600K, lands big client

By Tommy Felts | January 5, 2017

Kansas City-based tech firm LendingStandard announced Thursday that it’s closed on an angel capital round of $600,000. CEO Andy Kallenbach said he’s pleased with the direction of the startup, which created software for multi-family lender organizations. Kallenbach added that he’s excited by what opportunities the financing affords LendingStandard. “This investment will allow us to develop new…

Read More

KC finance tech firm Lending Standard nabs nearly $500K

By Tommy Felts | June 2, 2015

Kansas City-based Lending Standard recently raised nearly $500,000 to further develop its software and hire additional employees. The financial tech company snagged the funds from regional investors, and with it has hired two additional technical staff, bringing its total headcount to eight people. Lending Standard created a platform on which organizations can receive and collaborate…

Read More