Techweek, Launch KC winners have shot at more money
May 26, 2015 | Bobby Burch
The winning company at a demo day competition during Kansas City’s coming Techweek conference will earn a chance at nabbing significantly more dough.
In addition to a $50,000 LaunchKC grant, the winning firm would have a shot at an added $50,000 from a national competition. LaunchKC — an initiative to attract 10 tech firms to relocate to Kansas City — partnered with Techweek to present the competition, which is expected to attract hundreds of attendees.
Judges will whittle down the 10 grant finalists from a group of about 25 pre-selected startups, who will then slug it out for the additional $50,000 at the event’s “Launch Championship.” The Launch Championship will be held in Miami.
“The Launch Championship is the ultimate startup pitch competition,” said Andrew Charnesky, a director of Techweek’s event.
Charnesky added that Techweek offers startups a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their pitches with experienced judges and in front of a live audience.
Techweek is a weeklong conference that features a variety of programs, including prominent technologists, speakers, a job fair, fashion show, social events and many others. Techweek is expecting 3,000 to 5,000 participants for its inaugural conference in Kansas City. Among the first announced speakers include Jonathan Badeen, co-founder of Tinder, and Kristin Smith, CEO of Code Fellows.
Kansas City’s Techweek is set for Sept. 14 – Sept. 20. Click here to learn more on the event.
(Editor’s note: Startland News was initially provided erroneous information on prize values. The story has now been corrected with the appropriate prize values.)

2015 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Techstars Spotlight: Sexy STEM jobs? They’re not for everyone, NexusEdge says
Shanti Akkineni and Eddie Lin are self-proclaimed “serial job hoppers.” It’s a frustrating reality for many, Akkineni said, because of a lack of mentorship accessibility and job awareness. She herself has experienced employment in five different industries within a decade, she said. “I would go to work Monday morning, sit at my desk and not…
Tech startup to assist in donating American Royal BBQ leftovers
If there’s one thing Kansas City celebrates more than entrepreneurship, it’s barbecue. A local startup, Tappecue, plans to use its technology this weekend at the American Royal BBQ competition to assist in donating leftover food to the hungry. Tappecue is a cloud-based “smart” barbecue thermometer, with which BBQ aficionados can monitor meat temperatures via a…
2017 Under the Radar: RiskGenius crafts AI tool for insurers
Editor’s note: Startland News picked 10 early-stage firms to spotlight for its annual Under the Radar startups list. The following is one of 2017’s companies. To view the full list, click here. RiskGenius — previously known as ClaimKit — grew from an initial concept to improve insurance claim documentation. Following careers with surety companies and…
2017 Under the Radar: ZOHR changing tires, traditional mindset on roadside aid
Editor’s note: Startland News picked 10 early-stage firms to spotlight for its annual Under the Radar startups list. The following is one of 2017’s companies. To view the full list, click here. Nearly anyone with a car can relate to the chore of replacing bald tires or the frustration of a flat. Not only will…
