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
1 Million Cups presenters have shot at $10K
One of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s most popular programs, 1 Million Cups, will soon be offering entrepreneurs more than its typical morning refreshments. Program leaders announced Wednesday that it’s launching the “One in a Million” competition, in which former presenters in the program could snag $10,000. Now in more than 70 cities worldwide, 1…
DivvyHQ raises $1.8M for marketing tech
Kansas City-based DivvyHQ is ready to hit the gas after its latest investment round that will more than double its team. The marketing tech firm recently closed on a $1.8 million Series A round to boost its staff headcount and marketing outreach. Investors in the round include Dallas-based venture capital firm DAN Fund, Dundee Venture…
Mental health startup Start Talking goes mobile, scores $150K in tax credits
Depression affects about one out of every 10 Americans, including at one time Start Talking founder Mark Nolte. While a rough time in his life, Nolte’s struggle with depression in 2010 eventually led him to launch a venture that’s more easily connecting people with the help they need. Lenexa-based Start Talking offers patients a psychotherapy…
Video: KC women in tech talk challenges, engagement
While Kansas City ranks as a top locale for ladies in technology, there’s still work to be done to create more gender diversity in the industry. This video — created in collaboration with Kansas City Public Television and videographer Brad Austin — explores some of the challenges that women face in a male-dominated field and how to engage more women…