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
Grief happens on (and off) company time: Why a startup founded from loss is building holistic bereavement plans for corporate America
When grieving employees return to work, managers and colleagues often aren’t equipped to properly support them, said Lisa Cooper. “While I was working in corporate America for quite some time, I had witnessed a lot of dysfunction surrounding grief,” said Cooper, co-founder of Workplace Healing alongside Mindy Corporon. For example, I can remember specifically when someone…
Cherry enters the endorsement game, scoring NIL deals that also boost female college athletes
Partnering with college athletes is a natural elevation of sports apparel company Cherry Co., said Thalia Cherry. The KC-based brand signed agreements with 18 athletes for NIL (name, image, likeness) endorsement deals, shared Cherry, founder and CEO. “It’s a perfect alignment,” she continued. “We were already working with professional athletes in some capacity. So when…
Starting a business? ‘Never-give-up attitude’ matters more than you think, says Porter House co-founder
Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Missouri Business Alert, a member of the KC Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and The Kansas City Beacon. Click here to read the original story. While there are lots of important skills and knowledge to have when starting a…
Returning the flavor: Fast food startup flexes plan to bring Korean-American tastes to rural Missouri
As an occupational therapy practitioner, Joohae “Chewy” Yoon’s home visits to care for patients isolated in rural Missouri inspired her to develop the Korean-American fast food concept GOCHEW Burger & Sandwich. Her full-time job involves traveling to meet patients in Kansas City and Independence, as well as such cities as Odessa, Higginsville, and Warrensburg. Curious…