Fund Me, KC: FireBoard’s thermometer cooks up smarter chefs
August 9, 2016 | Startland News Staff
Startland News is continuing its segment to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs — like Fireboard founder Ted Conrad — to share their stories to gain a little help from their supporters. Back FireBoard’s Kickstarter here.
Who are you?
Ted Conrad, founder of FireBoard

The FireBoard
What does FireBoard do?
We specialize in designing and selling connected devices to solve simple problems. Our first product is our cloud-connected, smart thermometer called the FireBoard. The FireBoard is a product designed for professionals to use commercially, or for consumers to use for cooking.
How much do you hope to raise?
We are targeting a campaign goal of $30,000. Based on the interest we have seen in the FireBoard, we are optimistic that we may be able to exceed our goal.
What do you plan to use the funds for?
With any hardware build, its ideal to place orders for larger quantities. With a strong campaign on Kickstarter, it will allow us to negotiate better pricing and start manufacturing the device at a reasonable price point.
How are you differentiating your campaign?
An important feature of our product and this campaign is the level of quality and accuracy of our solution. It’s designed and built for professional use, and its accuracy surpasses most consumer grade products. It’s also built in Kansas City!
Is there anything quirky you’re trying with your campaign?
If you cook food, you can probably become a better cook with our device. It’s fun to have a device that anyone can use, and especially when it comes to food, everyone wants to find new ways to improve their cooking.
What’s some advice you have to others launching a campaign?
Preparation: We’ve learned by reading about stories of other successful campaigns and the common element is the time spent in advance on preparing for the launch. With the video and other collateral required, there is at least a month of full-time work, if not two months.
Learn more about FireBoard with the video below.
If you or your startup is running a crowdfunding campaign, let us know by contacting news@startlandnews.com

2016 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Charlie Hustle popup coming to Power & Light in time for Big 12 (and 300,000 visitors)
A highly visible storefront along the KC Streetcar line is expected to give homegrown apparel brand Charlie Hustle a prime spot to showcase KC Heart for hundreds of thousands of potential shoppers during the coming Big 12 basketball tournament. The game day merch shop and experiential retail concept is expected to open Thursday, March 7…
DivvyHQ exits: They built this KC startup brick-by-brick, now it fits within a bigger story
A Kansas City marketing tech startup’s acquisition by Lytho, a leading creative project management platform, is built upon the two brands’ complementary company ideologies and tech, said Brock Stechman. “We’re seeing a lot of consolidation in our market, and this was an opportunity where we could collaborate and come together seamlessly with a single, specialized,…
Chiefs tease 16 Arrowhead upgrades coming to KC stadium if voters pass April 2 sales tax
With early voting already under way in Jackson County, the Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday released a trove of renderings and new details on plans to upgrade Arrowhead Stadium if the April 2 ballot question passes. “(Arrowhead) is among the most iconic stadiums in professional sports, and it has become a bucket list destination for…
