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
West Coast health tech company bringing dozens of jobs to new River Market headquarters in KC
A West Coast health tech startup’s relocation to Kansas City is expected to give the company direct access to key clients in the region — as well as creating 35 high-paying jobs, representing more than $3 million in annual payroll, regional officials announced Thursday. Orange County, California-based Hart, Inc. plans to transition its operations to new…
$100K in federal funds take stage at Kansas City theater forced to relocate because of COVID
Challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic continue to impact the arts, said Evie Craig, whose organization was forced to relocate because of an unexpected revenue drop caused by the global health crisis. A recently announced $100,000 in American Rescue Plan grant funding from the Entertainment Industry Grant Program administered by the State of Missouri Department of…
KC Restaurant Week breaks down silos between diners, Kansas City’s chef-driven food scene
One of Johnson County’s favorite destination culinary experiences is back on the menu for Kansas City Restaurant Week, a 10-day showcase of innovative tastes from kitchens across the metro. “It helps the food industry,” said Laura Favela, executive chef at Silo Modern Farmhouse, said of the highly-anticipated, post-holidays event series. “The second goal is to…
Style on standby: How an 18th & Vine barber shop is turning heads inside KC’s airport
Armon Lasker’s barber shop inside security at the new Kansas City airport terminal flies a cut above the rest, said the former information technology professional-turned-entrepreneur. His spot — Director’s Cut: Take Two — allows travelers to conveniently get a haircut and other services before or after their flights. “This is the first one like this,” said…