Sprint Accelerator opens applications, dons new name
August 31, 2015 | Bobby Burch
Kansas City’s top business accelerator is now accepting applications for a wider applicant pool after a recent — albeit minimal — name change.
The Sprint Mobile Accelerator — formerly the Sprint Mobile Health Accelerator — lightened up its name to better reflect its broader focus on boosting mobile-centric startups. Led by Boulder-based Techstars, the accelerator is welcoming applicants for its three-month, Kansas City-based program, which takes place Feb. 22 through May 24.
“We’re all very excited to see what types of companies apply,” said John Fein, managing director of Techstars. “Sprint will provide amazing resources and this is the only Techstars program focused solely on mobile tech, so we expect the application process to be very competitive. (We) can’t wait to meet some awesome mobile startups.”
Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure announced in May that the accelerator will have a broader focus than its previous mobile health target. As a result, Claure hopes to highlight the top companies’ products or services in Sprint stores around the nation. Fein said that Techstars is working with Sprint now to figure out how that agreement will work.
Fein said that the broader mobile focus will change his approach for attracting companies from around the world. He added that he hopes many local firms will apply.
“Now that we’re open to almost any startup, it presents us with a lot more opportunities for recruiting,” he said. “We plan to recruit heavily in the KC and greater Silicon Prairie area and will also partner with select events in other areas of the U.S. … Techstars and Sprint are all about building the local community so when we select the ten best companies for 2016, we’d love for KC to be represented.”
Fein said that examples of mobile companies that should apply include: wearables; consumer apps; digital services such as advertising, commerce or in-home; Internet of Things; and big data or analytics.
The application period for the accelerator’s third class in Kansas City opens today and closes on Nov. 22. Click here to apply.
Featured Business
2015 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
ClaimKit snags $1.8M from local VC Flyover Capital
Insurance tech startup ClaimKit is tapping an area venture capital fund to help launch its second software offering that quickly analyzes policies. The company raised $1.8 million to launch RiskGenius, which helps to identify and categorize insurance clauses in commercial policies. Leawood-based venture capital firm Flyover Capital led the round, which included participation from the…
Arredondo: The Economist documentary, recent press great for Kansas City
It’s no secret that I’m a total homer for Kansas City. I truly believe that we have the opportunity and ability to become a world-class, 21st-century city. With that being said, I’ve been known to hyperbolize when it comes to the promise I see in Kansas City. But recently, our city has sold itself with…
Is 2016 the last year for Kansas’ angel tax credits?
A popular investor tax credit program in Kansas is likely to sunset after 2016 thanks in part to a budgetary crisis that’s forcing the Sunflower State to broadly tighten its financial belt. Launched in 2005, Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit Program offers a 50 percent income tax credit to qualified angel investors that invest up…
Kansas City’s “Home for Hackers” finds new ownership
The new owner of Kansas City’s “Home for Hackers” is planning to further the legacy of the program that has brought dozens of techies to the area from around the world. Ben Barreth, founder of the Home for Hackers, recently sold his house near 44th and State Line Road in Kansas City, Kan., to Jeff…