Tommy Felts
Editor-In-Chief, Startland News
Tommy is editor-in-chief for Startland News, a Kansas City-based nonprofit newsroom that uses storytelling to elevate the region’s startup community of entrepreneurs, innovators, hustlers, creatives and risk-takers.
Under Tommy’s leadership, Startland News has expanded its coverage from a primarily high-tech, high-growth focus to a more wide-ranging and inclusive look at the faces of entrepreneurism, innovation and business.
Before joining Startland News in 2017, Tommy worked for 12 years as an award-winning newspaper journalist, designer, editor and publisher. He was named one of Editor & Publisher magazine’s top “25 Under 35” in 2014.
Recent Articles by Tommy Felts
First look: Made in KC’s new Union Station shop boasts all the trimmings (and World Cup timing)
An influx of holiday shoppers is just the start for Made in KC’s newly-opened store inside Union Station — positioned to take advantage of coming FIFA World Cup traveler traffic — years after the local-first retailer’s owners first envisioned making the quintessential Kansas City destination a home for one of their shops. “We’ve been wanting…
Five gift ideas under one roof: Snag the KC-made best-sellers inside 811 Retail
Editor’s note: The following holiday feature is presented by The Porter House KC — built to bridge the gap between underrepresented small business owners and access to community-driven entrepreneurial support, education, and resources. Nearly 18 months after opening its doors, the 811 Retail incubation space in Midtown has boosted sales for the entrepreneurs inside —…
Kauffman wraps three fast-paced rounds of capacity building: Meet the year’s final grantees
A revised strategy to help nonprofit organizations strengthen their internal effectiveness and long-term stability — while still aligning with the Kauffman Foundation’s focus areas — next must showcase outcomes, said Allison Greenwood Bajracharya, announcing a final round of capacity building grant winners for 2025. Built with intentional versatility, capacity building grants are meant to meet…
Missouri’s best breweries are in Kansas City (and they have the medals to prove it)
Two Kansas City brewers barreled through the competition earlier this week, earning the first-ever, statewide “Brewery of the Year” honors for local favorites Boulevard and BKS Artisan Ales. It’s a feat fermented through years of dedication by the teams behind the labels, both brewers said. “From the day we opened, we have kept balance with…
10 top event picks for GEWKC; build your own schedule from 60+ sessions
With dozens of events on the calendar for GEWKC, Union Station will be bustling with activity, said Callie England, noting organizers intentionally curated a week where attendees can’t go wrong — no matter how they fill out their itinerary. “While the schedule can feel full, it’s truly the best of the best,” said England, director of…
‘This is the dream’: Starty Party turns up the volume on Kansas City tech, collaboration (Photos)
It isn’t a party without the people, said organizers of the Starty Party, gathering a crowd of startup veterans, early stage founders, investors and community leaders Wednesday for a one-night celebration of innovation — set against the backdrop of homegrown music and vibes. “This is amazing,” said Melissa Vincent, CEO of Pipeline Entrepreneurs, from the Starty…
Eyes on City Hall, White House: His app wants to break social media’s grip on your politics
A fractured news and social media ecosystem driven by biased algorithms makes it more difficult than ever to confidently vote based on facts — or even just understand the news of the day, said Mychal Shaw, touting the rapidly increasing but evergreen need for his civic literacy app. “I was raised in a family of…
Crossing lanes: KC Streetcar collaborators back aboard for expansion, dropping new merch, anthem
Opening the extended KC Streetcar line Friday completes a loop for creatives whose collaborations with the popular public transit system first emerged nearly a decade ago along Main Street — a time when Kansas City’s surging vibrancy helped curb streetcar doubters. “For us, it’s always been about representing Kansas City — the people, the culture,…
Kauffman Foundation announces first-ever semifinalists for Uncommon Leader Impact Award
A new leadership prize aimed at celebrating changemakers at organizations aligned with the priorities of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is closer to naming its first winner, the influential nonprofit announced Wednesday, revealing 12 semifinalists culled from more than 300 nominations. “The response from community members across the Kansas City metro area was tremendous,” said…
Get tickets to the Starty Party: MidxMidwest opens doors to SXSW-flavored startup-investor summit
Polsinelli-powered celebration at Knuckleheads puts homegrown headliner, community collaboration on stage A trio of innovation-infused collaborators are taking over Knuckleheads — an East Bottoms landmark that perfectly captures the region’s grit, creativity and unmistakable live music vibe, organizers said — for a new community event to help launch MidxMidwest 2025. Doors open at 5:30 p.m….