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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

Roberts: 5 things the world can learn from KC entrepreneurs

This week, entrepreneurship is king in Kansas City. As we welcome the world to our burgeoning tech hub during Techweek, it’s tempting to think that Kansas City’s startup community is a new phenomenon. But in fact, the names of the city fathers (and mothers) — the Kauffmans, Kempers, Blochs and Helzbergs — that adorn almost…

Markel: Education fix can fill local talent gap

Carrie Markel is a co-founder of The Lean Lab, a Kansas City-based education incubator that helps educators create and implement innovative ideas in schools to help students. It was August of 2013, and I was readying my classroom for 24-second graders. I had neatly arranged six groups of four chairs with their own supply buckets,…

Startup families: 3 similarities between my new baby and business

Starting a company is hard. Having a baby is hard. Doing both at the same time is kind of insane. But one major advantage of living in the Midwest is that founders have the ability to do both. In the coming months other founders will share their stories, experiences, and advice for having the best…

Guest Columnists Wanted!

Startland News is seeking well-informed people and thought leaders who want to contribute their knowledge and experiences to the community. If you are interested in innovation, technology, business strategies and/or the startup community, and have something to say, we want to hear from you! As a Guest Columnist, you’ll hunt your own ideas or learn…

Lacking a cybersecurity plan is costing you clients

Apprameya Iyengar is a technology and securities attorney with Polsinelli PC. His work focuses on commercial technology needs, ranging from small and mid-cap emerging companies to Fortune 500 companies. For technology startups, maintaining strong security controls remains vital to winning new business opportunities and strengthening existing relationships. Despite the global spike in cybersecurity attacks — there…

What’s a ‘smart city’ and why should KC care?

Aaron Deacon, managing director of KC Digital Drive, was instrumental in forming the Kansas City area’s Digital Playbook in 2012, which aimed to capitalize on the opportunity afforded by Google Fiber. His organization works on tech projects to boost Kansas City’s economy and is hosting a fundraising bash to further that mission. Smart phones. Smart…

Reboot U revives tech talent for KC startup

A growing event photography company in Kansas City is looking to the past to find the tech talent it needs to build its future. SportsPhotos.com founder Brandon Schatz is a small-business participant in the Full Employment Council’s “Reboot U” program, which provides technology training for the chronically unemployed. Schatz’s company manages photos for sporting events,…

Product Hunt enters KC market, offers onboard for entrepreneurs

A popular international product discovery platform is hoping to engage more tech entrepreneurs in the Kansas City area. Product Hunt — a website that features new products such as apps, hardware and other tech creations — recently launched a series of meetings in Kansas City in hopes of garnering more products from the area for…

Think branding: The importance of internal marketing

In this Think column, hr-haven founder Belinda Waggoner dissects the imperative of a coherent, thoughtful internal identity within one’s company. The Think column helps entrepreneurs to stop and think about the various aspects of starting and running a business. If you haven’t unlocked the secrets or even considered the benefits of internal branding, here’s a little story we tell…

Think IP: 3 IP rights your startup should know

In this Think column, Venture Legal attorney Andrew McGhie explores the complex world of intellectual property and how to protect your company. The Think column helps entrepreneurs to stop and think about the various aspects of starting and running a business. The most valuable assets for startups often include some type of intellectual property. What protection is…