UMKC’s top student entrepreneur has a not-so-secret play: Startups are a team sport

Editor’s note: This article is underwritten by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. [divide] From crafting custom-made bracelets in elementary school to prepping the launch for the world’s first interactive dog crate, Jonaie Johnson said she’s…

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Techstars KC returns: Meet 10 startups bringing diverse solutions to the rebooted accelerator 

The hotly anticipated Techstars Kansas City 2020 accelerator class features startups enabling greater transparency and access in healthcare, the food supply, and justice for all, said Lesa Mitchell. Two of the ventures are based in St. Louis. “We’re also welcoming companies with new platforms and new business models that will attract and facilitate broader talent…

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UMKC contest awards $35K+ to winners, feeds student-community innovation

One startup’s winnings from Friday’s Regnier Venture Creation Challenge are expected to have a near-immediate, tangible impact on Kansas City — helping Kanbe’s Markets provide produce in one of its corner markets for an entire year. “This means that about 4,500 people will have consistent access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food on Kansas City’s…

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Regnier student venture contest widens to high schools, eyeing next generation of innovators

A broader reach is expected to drive the Regnier Venture Creation Challenge in 2020, as the University of Missouri-Kansas City expands the impact-driven contest beyond multiple state lines.  “We hope to see even more regional representation in the competition than we’ve had in past years — which has already been pretty regional,” Bryan Boots, managing director…

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