NXTUS is helping five emerging KC innovators gain customer traction; ‘Timing is right,’ startup founders say 

Written By NXTUS

By: Tommy Felts

January 15, 2026

Members of the 2026 NXTSTAGE Customer Traction Cohort program; photo courtesy of Darrin Hackney Photography.

A handful of Kansas City startups were among 22 early stage companies gathered in Wichita this week for the opening session of a program aimed at growing strong, sustainable businesses that uplift innovation and opportunity throughout the Heartland.

The 2026 NXTSTAGE Customer Traction Cohort program on Wednesday welcomed founders from buildNest and Pitchster, Olathe, Kansas; Maze Freight Solutions and Worktern, Overland Park, Kansas; and Merchpath, Kansas City, Missouri.

“We’re excited to work alongside this outstanding group of startups as they strengthen their customer acquisition muscles, build momentum, and create lasting impact in the communities and markets they serve,” said Amber Dunn, program director for NXTUS, which coordinates NXTSTAGE programming.

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