JQ Sirls is the king of his own universe; his new book puts a distinctly Black hero at the center of it

JQ Sirls started popping through the multiverse as a child; escaping through various worlds and alternate realities via stories like “Where the Wild Things Are,” “Peter Pan,” and “The Wizard of Oz” — as well as magical realms he created himself. “Those are my DNA,” said Sirls, a Kansas City-based author, artist and the entrepreneur behind…

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Startup’s next chapter writes itself: AI-generated bedtime story platform launches with language-building upgrades

With an emphasis on diversity and creativity, JQ Sirls’ AI-powered story generator is set to redefine children’s literature while uniting generations, he said.  “I’m really trying to create these magical bonding moments between adults and children. When adults use this technology to create their own story, it makes them feel like a kid again. Then…

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Meet the Midwest’s future serial entrepreneurs: Pipeline reveals 2023 fellowship, Pathfinder cohort

Nearly 30 of the region’s most promising founders now have access to an industry-agnostic network that focuses solely on serial high-growth entrepreneurs — without taking equity in the startups it serves, said Melissa Vincent. Pipeline Entrepreneurs on Tuesday officially announced its new roster of high-profile fellows, as well as members of its latest Pipeline Pathfinder…

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Just funded: Digital Sandbox KC starts new year with six new startups on its roster

Digital Sandbox KC’s latest round of startup funding reflects the emergence of more Kansas City-built, scalable tech in the new year, said Jill Meyer, announcing the fourth-quarter roster of companies bringing innovative ideas to life in the region. “These six companies demonstrate the creativity and diversity of our region’s technology founders and problem solvers,” said…

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