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KC's Startup Crawl returns June 9 for the first time since 2019, showcasing local entrepreneurship and providing networking opportunities.

Since the retirement of Mesner Puppet Theater creator Paul Mesner, the nonprofit arts organization moved to a new home and rebranded as What If Puppets. They're also doubling down on a new focus: early childhood education.

The newsmakers featured in Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2023 list are no strangers to our readers or their fellow entrepreneurs. They range from healthtech and sales platforms to scaling apparel brands to Esports and cryptocurrency startups and even the list’s first-ever founder featured on two Startups to Watch roundups — with different ventures.

It’s only fitting that Whitney Manney’s favorite Christmas gift memory comes packed with references to her future fashion career — a journey that flourishes from Kansas City without specifically labeling the brand (or its products) with a big "KC."

“Having someone who has been through it before — and can help us avoid common obstacles and pitfalls — was the No. 1 thing on my list,” said Ben Jackson. “I look forward to seeing how her thumbprint on our company will accelerate our success.”