Tag: kansas city

Ditch the highlight reel and gatekeepers: Founders share blueprint to building value, together

admin — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:26:14 +0000

Entrepreneurship is lonely, but it doesn’t have to be isolating, said Mark Launiu, opening a three-day summit rich in practical wisdom and firsthand storytelling from founders who’ve created businesses — and struggled through the times that suck — in Kansas City.

J. Rieger earns role in new Jason Bourne thriller; chased with a shot of Monogram whiskey, neat

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 20:51:13 +0000

When Jason Bourne slides into his next literary adventure, the CIA asset-turned-runaway agent is expected to find himself barrel-bound in the East Bottoms, said Andy Rieger, teasing a new thriller in the Bourne series that adds an iconic Kansas City destination to the hero’s story.

Grab a plate, save a restaurant: KC’s 10-day crash course in cuisine could keep the doors open

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 17:33:15 +0000

The region’s culinary community is toasting the return of Kansas City Restaurant Week with anticipation — and hopes for a serving of survival amid an economic downturn that’s seen the closures of dining establishments new and old across the metro.

Meet 8 startups that just locked in move-faster funding from Digital Sandbox KC

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 16:43:39 +0000

An effort to “super-charge” innovative, emerging tech in Kansas City is helping more than a half-dozen companies with exceptional growth potential get their solutions to customers faster, said Jill Meyer, announcing the latest cohort of Digital Sandbox KC-funded startups.

WeCode KC touts new grant funding aimed at boosting regional workforce readiness

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 16:35:43 +0000

A just-announced $50,000 grant is expected to help a homegrown workforce development program better prepare 18- to 26-year-old Kansas Citians for careers in high-demand technology fields, said Tammy Buckner, noting a ripple effect expected for the region.

UMKC mascot gets nod of approval from bobblehead museum, hopping onto market

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 16:35:36 +0000

Roove over, KC Wolf. Another fan-favorite Kansas City mascot is getting its spot on the shelf as the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum this week unveiled an officially licensed, 8-inch bauble featuring the nearly-century-old icon.

KC Roo — the school mascot for the University of Kansas City-Missouri, sometimes referred to as “Kasey the Kangaroo” — earned status as a limited-edition bobblehead, in conjunction with National Bobblehead Day earlier this week.

2026 Startups to Watch: dScribe tracks early momentum with West Coast-Midwest funding combinator

admin — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:40:49 +0000

Editor’s note: Startland News editors selected 10 high-growth, scaling Kansas City companies to spotlight for its annual Startups to Watch project. Now in its 11th year, this feature recognizes founders and startups that editors believe will make some of the biggest, most compelling news in the coming 12 months. The following is one of 2026’s picks.

2026 Startups to Watch: The Good Game connects young athletes with on-demand sports experts

admin — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:40:42 +0000

2026 Startups to Watch: Sova Dating builds emotional matches with vibes, logistics and an unexpected viral moment

admin — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:40:35 +0000

2026 Startups to Watch: LODAS Markets unlocks liquidity as timing pays off for founder’s investment

admin — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:40:31 +0000

10 Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2026

admin — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:53:24 +0000

It’s that moment just before dawn, as Kansas City awakens to a new year — ripe with possibilities, potential and change. The light breaks and all eyes turn to the horizon; toward the looming FIFA World Cup, sports stadium shifts, and long-awaited developments and destinations coming on line.

But tucked within the twinkling edges of the horizon — just out of sight behind those marquee opportunities for the region: a wave of innovation lighting the way to a new era of startups in Kansas City.