Startland News Staff
Recent Articles by Startland News Staff
Kauffman adds comms leader to boost transparency, clarity as Foundation moves into new era of engagement
During a time of change and transition, a clear voice is more critical than ever, leaders of the Kauffman Foundation said Thursday, announcing Amy Unruh as the influential philanthropic organization’s new communications director. “We’re in a really exciting chapter for the Foundation,” said Dr. Susan Klusmeier, chief of staff for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation….
Shawnee’s new chef-driven sports bar serves retro with a side of Spam fries and banana ketchup
Serial Kansas City hotspot founder opens door to Hank’s Garage with chefs Howard Hanna, Zac Sachs Eric Flanagan’s latest venture turns a former Shawnee auto shop into the resurrected downtown entertainment district’s newest destination — a casual neighborhood sports bar, complete with an innovative and elevated menu, classic beers, craft cocktails, and an outdoor patio…
Pitch locally or look to outsiders? How founder bias toward funding at all costs could leave your distracted startup without a why
Kansas City’s funding gaps often feel deeper for women entrepreneurs, two top founders said Tuesday, describing a startup ecosystem that pits emerging entrepreneurs against each other — but perhaps more critically, against time — in a highly competitive fight for a limited amount of local capital. “Kansas City is very startup friendly — at least…
KC-built Buzz acquired by Vegas tech company hoping to solve AI’s ‘last mile’ challenge in property management
A leading property tech company is placing its bet on the Kansas City-built rent collections platform that Buzz brings to the table, announcing the AI-driven startup’s acquisition Tuesday by Las Vegas-based Pay Ready. The potential for artificial intelligence’s use in an industry historically is limited by the way tech collides with humans, said serial entrepreneur…
Meet the competition: 10 entrepreneurs vying for $60K at KC GIFT ‘Pitch Black’ business summit
The return of Kansas City G.I.F.T.’s spring pitch competition not only opens the door to prize money for emerging Black entrepreneurs, said Brandon Calloway, it also allows community members and supporters of his nonprofit to see the impact of its mission firsthand. GIFT’s highly anticipated Pitch Black Business Summit 2025 is set for 10 a.m….
How a toy car can recapture a moment (and put a little cash in this student’s pocket)
Collecting toys is in Andrew Bates’ blood, the UMKC senior said — and now it’s in his wallet. A supply chain management student at the university, Bates was exposed to the hunt for nostalgia early, he said; his father was snagging Hot Wheels for him before Bates was born. “I was (slow) to embrace it,” the…
Startup Weekend’s challenge: Build Missouri’s next billion-dollar idea (in three days)
COLUMBIA, Missouri — Budding entrepreneurs are gathering next month for a three-day business pitch event that could earn them $45,000 in prizes plus a $150,000 investment opportunity for the winning company with billion-dollar potential, organizers said. Missouri Startup Weekend returns April 11-13 at EquipmentShare’s newly opened Technology & Development Center in Columbia. It’s a unique…
Yard Milkshake Bar set to open Friday in long-vacant BK Whopper Bar at Power & Light
Kansas City is gaining a new sweet spot as the acclaimed dessert startup The Yard Milkshake Bar opens its first metro location this week in the Power & Light District — filling a long-standing hunger for the right flavor of business at PNC Plaza. “Our team works hard to curate the District with amenities that…
Daupler closes $15M Series B to boost real-time responses to energy, water emergencies
A Kansas City company’s latest funding round will help the startup manage critical infrastructure provided by utilities and municipalities — driving its growth within the electric utility market and accelerating international expansion into utilities in the United Kingdom and European Union. Daupler on Thursday announced an oversubscribed $15 million Series B round led by Aqualateral,…
‘Black-owned dining passport’ launches in response to Trump’s attacks on diversity
A new effort encouraging support for local, Black-owned businesses — many in Kansas City’s historically redlined neighborhoods — is a timely reminder of the purchasing power in each diner’s hands, said Brandon Calloway. Kansas City G.I.F.T. on Friday launched the first edition of its “Savor The Flavor” Black-Owned Dining Passport, which features 13 restaurants. Diners…