Elyssa Bezner
Reporter
Recent Articles by Elyssa Bezner
Megh Marks History: Artist crafts Chiefs-inspired painting from on-field Super Bowl confetti
While most Kansas Citians were shouting from the rooftops in the seconds after the Chiefs Super Bowl victory, Megh Knappenberger was quietly writing down on the back of a grocery list an idea to capture the joyous spirit of the big win through artistic expression. “I saw the confetti raining down on the players and…
Startup Road Trip: Student-led KU Blockchain Institute has high-tech dreams with graduation nearing
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. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. LAWRENCE…
‘Scarlet Knight’ cuts through comic book stigma with real-life entrepreneur, brand crossovers
Continuing his comic book quest to capture the realities of urban life, Juaquan Herron returns to drop the Scarlet Knight’s second volume — this time featuring some recognizable Kansas City faces, he said. “It’s just one of those things where you definitely have to figure out other avenues to make the brand bigger — bigger…
Post-exit detour takes founder on a journey back to a time before plastic ruled the world
Living as determined “plastic haters,” the husband-and-wife duo behind Detour Goods craft wooden toys as a callback to higher-quality manufacturing and a time before entertainment was dominated by technology. “I think we’re living in a day and age where we’re just so addicted and connected to our screens,” said Jordan EuDaly, co-owner of the Kansas…
2020 Startups to Watch: Boddle evolves from mere gamified edtech to vital classroom tool
Editor’s note: Startland News selected 10 Kansas City firms to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch list. The following is one of 2020’s companies. Click here to view the full, ranked list of Startups to Watch. Education needs an overhaul and Boddle Learning is driving the change from the front of the classroom, declared Edna Martinson. “Its…
2020 Startups to Watch: Stenovate streamlines transcription with legal tech breakthrough
Editor’s note: Startland News selected 10 Kansas City firms to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch list. The following is one of 2020’s companies. Click here to view the full, ranked list of Startups to Watch. It’s all systems go for Kansas City-built Stenovate, as the legal tech startup nears public launch with just the right mix…
2020 Startups to Watch: Healium uses VR to envision a world with empty medicine cabinets
Editor’s note: Startland News selected 10 Kansas City firms to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch list. The following is one of 2020’s companies. Click here to view the full, ranked list of Startups to Watch. If its a situation that sucks, virtual and augmented reality offer a solution, said Sarah Hill. “[The world] is now a…
2020 Startups to Watch: ELIAS Animal Health wags past milestones in cancer treatment for dogs
Editor’s note: Startland News selected 10 Kansas City firms to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch list. The following is one of 2020’s companies. Click here to view the full, ranked list of Startups to Watch. Hitting impactful key performance indicators after a long and complicated journey since its founding, ELIAS Animal Health is heading into the…
Chiefs’ Super Bowl run ‘like Christmas’ (and Royals’ big win) all over again for KC apparel startups
The Chiefs heading to the Super Bowl isn’t just a good look for the team — it’s a win for small business owners as excited Kansas Citians buy local to keep the party going, said Mark Launiu. “I was really stoked for the city obviously, but I just texted my friends like, ‘Man, if you…
Cherry designs Chiefs-inspired KC Legacy collection for one city, united in sports
A new Cherry sports apparel collection commemorates past Chiefs players with a focus on community impact and bridging a divided Kansas City through pride in the city teams, said Thalia Cherry. “I think the excitement around the Chiefs will be here for years to come, and … I often share when I speak with groups…