Channa Steinmetz
Recent Articles by Channa Steinmetz
This KC investor’s narrow (but global) focus: Technical founders who want to change the world
When launching an investment firm, venture capitalists must consider what distinguishes them from other firms and gives them a competitive edge, said Taylor Clauson. “In my case, I would say that having such a narrow thesis is a tremendous luxury,” said Clauson, who founded Abstraction Capital in 2020. “I’m a specialist fund, and founders like…
‘Picklecon’ coming to KC in 2024 with 100 pickleball courts, $3.9M-projected economic impact
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America, noted Kathy Nelson; and a one-of-a-kind pickleball experience is coming to Kansas City in 2024. In collaboration with Visit KC, Triple Crown Sports is bringing its inaugural celebration of pickleball to Kansas City. Picklecon is an all-encompassing pickleball experience designed to welcome players of all skill levels:…
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…
New Kauffman CEO begins her ‘journey of impact’ with renewed focus on Kansas City
Editor’s note: The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a financial supporter of Startland News. Work within Kansas City to inspire education and entrepreneurship has a ripple effect across the region, said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace; and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is doubling down on its commitment to the Kansas City community under her new leadership. …
In second term, Mayor Q says he’ll help get City Hall out of entrepreneurs’ way as they build a more diverse economy
Creating economic equity in Kansas City goes hand in hand with building a sustainable city, said Mayor Quinton Lucas. “We will not be the city that we need to be — we won’t have the workforce, the entrepreneurs that we need — if we’re not actually investing in equitable tools in any number of ways,”…
Off to college (towns): Axe throwing, mini golf set for Manhattan, Lawrence as Swell Spark expands at home
Swell Spark is once again expanding its locations, but this time Matt Baysinger and his team are scaling into smaller markets in the founder’s home state of Kansas. Swell Spark — a Kansas City-based entertainment company that creates shared experiences through escape rooms, axe throwing and indoor mini golf — is set to open a…
Brew Bank raises the bar for craft beer, cocktails from this history-making Kansas taproom
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. TOPEKA — Kansas’ premier digital self-serve, craft beer bar is consistently pushing the envelope, said Ryan Cavanaugh, making Brew Bank a culinary and drinking destination like no other. “We’re always…
Four-day For the Culture Fest arrives in Topeka to celebrate African-American history in Kansas
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. TOPEKA — Kansas’ capital city has a rich African-American history, Alonzo Harrison said, and it’s time for the community to come together to celebrate the past, present and future. “The Black…
Empowered belonging: KC Chamber celebrates inclusive workforce efforts with diversity honors
Diversity is a strength; equity is the objective; and inclusion is the path that unites individuals together, said Amy Lee Sewell. The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce awarded Lockton Companies its 2023 Champion of Diversity award at the annual POWER of Diversity Breakfast. The event brings together the region’s diverse business community to celebrate…
Afraid of needles? This Kansas startup just raised $1M to inject its no-show solution into testing
A fresh funding injection for an Overland Park-based medical device company is expected to help the startup’s products clear federal regulatory hurdles, as well as advance and expand its research and development efforts. Love Lifesciences is on a mission to revolutionize the patient injection experience to make medications both easier and safer to use, said…