Startland News

Kansas City’s DIY music scene has long been a hub for raw, creative talent — with eclectic frontman Kole Waters quickly becoming one of its standout names.

During a time of change and transition, a clear voice is more critical than ever, leaders of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation said Thursday, announcing Amy Unruh as the influential philanthropic organization’s new communications director.

Owners of the burger stand-within-a bar concept confirmed the new location will open at 1813 Locust St. in early summer 2025.

Eric Flanagan’s latest venture turns a former Shawnee auto shop into the resurrected downtown entertainment district’s newest destination — a casual neighborhood sports bar, complete with an innovative and elevated menu, classic beers, craft cocktails, and an outdoor patio and yard that pays homage to the space’s former life.

Aspiring executives with an eye on the C-suite need to be ready well before the opportunity arises, said Dan Hesse, leaning on his years of past experience as president and CEO of Sprint. It’s not about just being the boss, he emphasized.

Kansas City’s funding gaps often feel deeper for women entrepreneurs, two top founders said this week, describing a startup ecosystem that pits emerging entrepreneurs against each other — but perhaps more critically, against time — in a highly competitive fight for a limited amount of local capital. The “Inspiring Women Live!” fireside chat at featured?LaunchKC?alumni like Jannae Gammage of Cyphr (Formerly Foresight) and Conner Hazelrigg, MBA of Hilltop Technologies, focusing on highlighting challenges — and strategies for navigating through them —?faced by women entrepreneurs in Kansas City’s innovation ecosystem.

Holladay Distillery is breaking ground with Rickhouse D — its first new barrel-aging warehouse in 75 years — marking a major step in expanding bourbon production from the historic plant.

Congratulations to Craig Moore II, Partnership and Special Projects Manager at The DeBruce Foundation, who will be joining the Startland News Board of Directors! “With a long history as a reader and partner, I am eager to contribute to the organization's mission of enhancing its impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem,” shares Moore. #ExpandingPathways

A leading property tech company is placing its bet on the Kansas City-built rent collections platform that Buzz brings to the table, announcing the AI-driven startup’s acquisition Tuesday by Las Vegas-based Pay Ready. Jake Lisby Lynn Patrick Musil

Sannin — poke, sushi and ramen — plans to open by early May at 2820 W. 47th St., in the Northwood shopping center (across from Walmart Neighborhood Market). Ginger Sue’s and Kind Food formerly operated in the space.