‘The American dream is the Midwest’: LaunchKC powers next generation of startup job creators

By Tommy Felts | September 19, 2025

Editor’s note: The following is part of an ongoing feature series exploring impacts of initiatives within the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City through a paid partnership with EDCKC. [divide] Relocating to Kansas City after winning a LaunchKC grant — and the community and infrastructure support that comes with it — gives Russel Karim’s startup a…

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Just funded: LaunchKC unveils 7 newest grant winners, topping $385K in startup capital

By Tommy Felts | November 20, 2024

LaunchKC’s big reveal Tuesday was about more than checking a box — or getting hands on oversized checks — with grant competition winners taking the stage to introduce their companies to an eager community of supporters, entrepreneurs and investors.  “This event is incredible,” said Donnie Hampton, co-founder of Roz, one of seven startups honored Tuesday…

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