Startland News Staff
Recent Articles by Startland News Staff
Techstars co-founder Brad Feld launches $25K matching gift for Startland News donor campaign
Editor’s note: The following is an update to Startland News’ Give A Start — an eight-week donor campaign seeking reader support for the nonprofit newsroom. Click here to donate. One week into Startland News’ donor campaign — the nonprofit newsroom’s first big ask for readers’ financial support — the digital publication is announcing the Brad Feld Challenge. Brad Feld —…
Blue KC ‘investing in the future’ by joining KCRise Fund II to build high-tech startups
Editor’s note: KCRise Fund is a financial supporter of Startland, the parent organization of Startland News, and Darcy Howe, founder and managing director of KCRise Fund, sits on the board of the nonprofit, ecosystem-building entity. This report was produced independently by Startland News. As a leading Kansas City venture firm nears the completion of its…
ECJC leading Johnson County effort to distribute $13.5M in CARES small business grants
A new government lifeline designed to boost Johnson County entrepreneurs hit by the COVID-19 pandemic soon will offer a one-time $10,000 grant to qualified recipients. “Many of Johnson County’s small businesses have limited resources and access to capital during this unprecedented time,” said Ed Eilert, chairman of the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners. “We’re…
Hyperloop taps West Virginia for $500M project; Missouri still in the running for future sites, advocate says
A prized hyperloop project headed for West Virginia doesn’t mean Missouri’s hopes of a high-speed transportation system connecting St. Louis to Kansas City are off the rails, said Ryan Weber, KC Tech Council president. Virgin Hyperloop announced Thursday its plans to host a $500 million certification center and test track for billionaire Richard Branson’s experimental…
Rising startup stars among latest wave of Digital Sandbox’s critical COVID-era capital
Four new Digital Sandbox KC companies reflect a wide breadth of technology, diversity and ingenuity that’s not only typical of the proof-of-concept program, but needed as the startup community attempts a rebound amid the ongoing pandemic, said Jill Meyer. “Our current environment has been a challenging one to navigate for many of our entrepreneurs,” said…
RiskGenius touchdown: OP insuretech startup scores exit deal with industry leader
Overland Park’s RiskGenius crossed a finish line this week — but work remains as an exit looms, the company announced Tuesday. Columbus, Ohio-based Bold Penguin — an innovation-driven startup that rapidly increases speed-to-bind for commercial insurance — has agreed to acquire the insurtech company for an undisclosed amount, paving the way for continued dominance as the…
Pitch Perfect expands bootcamp to a dozen startups: Meet the capital-raising cohort
Going virtual because of COVID-19 concerns might limit in-person interactions during the Pitch Perfect bootcamp, said Kathryn Golden, but it allows the seventh cohort to double its size and potential impact on growing startups. “We finally came to accept that moving ahead online — while not ideal — was important,” said Golden, director of entrepreneur…
Fund Me, KC: Good Bitter Best hopes to mix cocktails with community, pivots to add virtual bartender
Startland News is continuing its “Fund Me, KC” series to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs — like Jennifer Agnew’s Good Bitter Best campaign — to share their crowdfunding stories to gain a little help from their supporters. Who are you? I am Jennifer Agnew, public school…
Cash in the tank: Meet 8 tech startups vying for on-the-spot funding at Pure Pitch Rally
From gig economy and healthcare companies to startups attacking supply chain concerns, the solutions to today’s challenges come from Kansas City’s up-and-coming innovators, said Karen Fenaroli, announcing the eight competitors for this fall’s Pure Pitch Rally. “We could not be more excited for the diversity of ideas, industries and experience represented in this year’s cohort…
Olathe-built COVID-fighting biotech could be ‘Coolest Thing made in Kansas’ — Voting now open
An Olathe startup that began offering its biotech to researchers in April — just as the pandemic hit — already is receiving statewide recognition for a product that ultimately could help take down COVID-19. T-Blocks were announced Wednesday as one of the Top 16 nominees for the Kansas Chamber’s “Coolest Thing Made in Kansas” prize,…