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Startland News Staff

Sometimes we share credit. The “Staff Writer” byline appears on stories reported, written, or edited collaboratively by members of the Startland News team — especially for quick hits and breaking news.

Recent Articles by Startland News Staff

Want on stage at GEWKC? Organizers need your ideas for 2024 entrepreneur event series

Kansas City’s business and entrepreneur community is invited to submit sessions for this fall’s Global Entrepreneurship Week-Kansas City, an interactive, community-driven educational experience organized by KCSourceLink. “Kansas City is gearing up for an even better Global Entrepreneurship Week in 2024,” said Callie England, director of GEWKC and marketing director at KCSourceLink, which has organized GEWKC…

Black & Veatch IgniteX accelerator adds six startups focused on carbon dioxide removal

An Overland Park-based corporate innovation hub is set to empower an international roster of startups involved in climate and decarbonization technology — just as news reports point to a  record spike in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and intensifying climate concerns. Six companies have been selected for the Black & Veatch IgniteX Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Accelerator,…

CAPS Network selects first cohort for $951K initiative toward rural Kansas learning expansion

A significant U.S. Department of Education grant is expected to serve as a catalyst for CAPS Network’s ambitious plan to expand profession-based learning in rural America, with a particular focus on its home state of Kansas. Seven rural partner communities already have been selected. The federal funding came after impactful advocacy from U.S. Jerry Moran,…

Vytelle’s next expansion: A third IVF lab in Australia as startup scales reproductive solutions for beef, dairy farmers

A Lenexa-based agtech company’s 21st lab space is planned for Melbourne, Australia, as the global leader in bovine in vitro fertilization works to revolutionize the industry and give farmers unparalleled access to hormone-free IVF. The state-of-the-art facility — set to open later this year — will be Vytelle’s third lab in Australia following the opening…

Novel secures $15M round in bid to get tech founders the capital to turn their visions into reality 

A fresh injection of capital is expected to help Overland Park-based Novel — helmed by two of Kansas City’s most seasoned tech founders — revolutionize growth for SaaS startups using its Capital Intelligence platform. “The tech founder’s journey is often fueled by passion but also filled with obstacles,” said Carlos Antequera, CEO and co-founder of…

HomeGrown breakfast concept cracks downtown egg, opening what could be KC’s next favorite brunch spot

A Wichita-founded restaurant chain known for its breakfast and brunch fare is officially open in KCMO, adding a Power & Light location to its menu of Kansas City-area eateries. HomeGrown welcomed diners Tuesday within the KC Live! Block — the only full-service breakfast restaurant in the Power & Light District — offering sustainable selections on…

Social venture’s pet grooming grads now empowered to earn microloans thanks to trio of KC backers

Graduates of Kansas City-based Pawsperity’s pet grooming training programs are now eligible to apply for RISE Microloans to launch or grow their businesses — an opportunity boosted by an economic equity initiative to provide microloans to fledgling entrepreneurs. The Plaza Rotary Club program, RISE Microloan (short for Rotary Investing & Supporting Equity), is offered through AltCap,…

NMotion accelerates Its 100th startup with plans to invest $3 million in 30 more through 2026

OMAHA — A Kansas City startup was among the six cohort members that pushed the NMotion Accelerator past its 100-company mark, showcasing its AI-infused storytelling platform this week alongside innovations from across the Midwest. NMotion powered by gener8tor on Tuesday celebrated the cohort — along with the impact from its $100,000 investments in each member —…

Thai Orchid opening in Northland: How this family business is getting out of its comfort zone with street food focus

A second location for a longtime Johnson County restaurant is expected to honor the origin story of the family business — building on its menu with a new emphasis on casual Thai street food items and small plates. Thai Orchid — a Mission, Kansas, restaurant that has been in the Rojjanasrirat family for 26 years…

mySidewalk teases Sidekick — a data assistant at the forefront of AI’s difficult-to-simple transformation

A new purpose-built community data and visualization tool from mySidewalk is designed to revolutionize decision making and empower those willing to embrace change when supplied with accessible and reliable data. The Kansas City-based govtech company this month announced the beta launch of Sidekick, an AI-powered data assistant meant to drive meaningful progress through insights gleaned…