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
Events Preview: ECJC, America Hack night
There are a boatload of entrepreneurial events hosted in Kansas City on a weekly basis. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, supporter, or curious Kansas Citian, we’d recommend these upcoming events for you. WEEKLY EVENT PREVIEW ECJC Summer Venture Lounge When: Wednesday, July 8 @ 4:30 PM-6:30 PM Where: Enterprise Center of Johnson County Investors, entrepreneurs and…
Local investor Keith Harringtonearns prestigious VC fellowship
A Kansas City-area investor that was recently accepted into an esteemed venture capital fellowship in Silicon Valley hopes to leverage the program to better his hometown. Keith Harrington, managing director at the Kansas Bioscience Authority, was accepted into the Kauffman Fellows program for venture capitalists. The program aims to enhance venture capitalists’ capabilities and grow…
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…