Nikki Overfelt Chifalu

Recent Articles by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu

Sharing economy hits agriculture with FarmLink service

July 23, 2015

A new-age economic model is entering the world’s oldest industry. Kansas City-based FarmLink introduced this week its Web-based farm equipment sharing community MachineryLink Sharing, which the company says will enable farmers to save money and generate revenue. “Agriculture is in the midst of its next big transformation, where new thinking and business models that have revolutionized…

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Metactive lands $224K for nonclinical studies

July 22, 2015

Olathe-based Metactive Medical recently secured a grant that will continue the development of its embolization device that fights cancer. The National Institutes of Health awarded Metactive $224,000 that will fund nonclinical studies on the performance of the company’s Blockstent Microcatheter embolic devices for the occlusion — or blockage — of peripheral arteries and veins. “We believe…

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Mighty Handle grips massive market with Walmart deal

July 22, 2015

A Kansas City startup recently grabbed a retail deal that will put its product in front of millions of customers. Mighty Handle last week signed a deal with Walmart stores that will roll out its product to help users carry multiple shopping bags at about 3,500 stores nationwide. So what’s it mean for Mighty Handle…

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High-tech car showroom parks in Crossroads

July 21, 2015

The days of pushy, plaid-suited car salesmen is over at a new dealership teeming with technology in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District. Luxury car dealer Pure Pursuit Automotive recently set up shop in one of Kansas City’s trendiest districts, incorporating such technology as holographic attendants and personal tablets. Those technologies and others aim to create…

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Kittrell: 5 frustrations for non-technical founders

July 21, 2015

You’ve got a great idea for an app — the kind that keeps you up at night. But you’ve never worked on a software project before and have no idea what you’re in for. Sound familiar? Here’s a list of common frustrations I see from my non-technical clients. 1. Scope creep No, it’s not a…

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Gallery: Lean Lab fellows set to disrupt KC education

July 20, 2015

Already improving education for about 2,400 area students, the Lean Lab recently set loose another group of innovators hoping to transform Kansas City education. The Kansas City-based education innovation incubator on Friday held its Launch Day, the culminating event of its incubator fellowship. The incubator conducted a five-week ideation program that assisted 10 fellows building…

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Applications open for Missouri tech funding

July 20, 2015

Ready your typing fingers, entrepreneurs. The Missouri Technology Corporation recently opened applications for its IDEA Fund, a program that will match other capital investments in high-growth tech companies. The MTC, a public-private organization that makes investments in Missouri tech companies, is currently accepting applications for four of its IDEA programs, three of which are tailored…

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DataLocker acquisition to boost encryption offerings

July 16, 2015

Overland Park-based data security firm DataLocker recently acquired a Swedish tech firm that will expand its encryption technologies. DataLocker on Tuesday announced the acquisition of BlockMaster, a USB security tech company, for an undisclosed amount. The deal will augment DataLocker’s encryption management platform that allows its clients to track the use and location of sensitive…

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Events Preview: Lean Lab Launch Day, Hack Midwest

July 16, 2015

There are a boatload of entrepreneurial events hosted in Kansas City on a weekly basis. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, supporter, or curious Kansas Citian, we’d recommend these upcoming events for you. WEEKLY EVENT PREVIEW Lean Lab’s Launch Day When: July 17 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Where: Sprint Accelerator Support innovation in education: listen as…

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White House selects KC for digital inclusion pilot

July 16, 2015

Kansas City was selected as part of a national pilot program to connect more children and families to the Internet. President Obama on Wednesday introduced the ConnectHome initiative, which will connect more low-income families to high-speed broadband. To achieve that, the program will unite Internet service providers, non-profits and the private sector to offer broadband access,…

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