Tag: Matt Leadbetter

Independence day: Flipping from side-hustle to full-time requires grind behind glory 

By Tommy Felts / July 3, 2025

Founders found freedom in the journey (but they’re grateful for what they didn’t know was ahead) Jason Taylor walked away from big tech for good in January — leaving behind a dream résumé that included a long engineering career at Microsoft, then Google, for the freedom to pursue what had once been just a passion…

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Matt Leadbetter, N-GAGE GRIPS

N-GAGE founder gets a grip on weight-lifting pain points (without giving up his day job)

By Tommy Felts / December 20, 2019

N-GAGE GRIPS will have found success as a startup when Matt Leadbetter’s oldest son thinks he’s cool. “I remember thinking, ‘I have this thing in my head, I just need to make it,’ and I was kinda thinking at the time, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if when my little boy gets older, he’s impressed with…

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N-Gage Grips by N-Gage

10 gift exchange ideas from Kansas City startups

By Tommy Felts / November 27, 2019

Editor’s note: Below you’ll find a list of 10 ideas for your next office or family holiday gift exchange — each from a Kansas City startup or maker. Click here to check out the rest of Startland News’ 2019 Gift Guide. wlle drink sweater Made by Sandlot Goods, the WLLE drink sweater uses the insulating…

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