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
UMKC top student entrepreneur’s refrain: It isn’t how many ideas you have, it’s what you do with them
Improvising is vital in jazz and entrepreneurship, noted Tate Berry, UMKC Student Entrepreneur of the Year. A double major in jazz studies and business administration, Berry is well-versed in both. “Composing music is a very long collaborative creative process, which has given me the skills to look at intricate problems from a distance and develop…
Marsha Willis joins Facebook accelerator to boost 30K-strong community of Black-owned businesses, supporters
Marsha Willis’ decade-long journey of supporting Kansas City-based, Black-owned businesses is headed to the next level — thanks to a funding infusion from Facebook and Willis’ own focused commitment to providing elevated experiences to the online community she’s built. “Our focus is to create a centralized place where we can share resources and education for…
The Popper drips with KC: Why this award-winning brand won’t quit ‘until the aliens on other planets know’ his city
Walter Edwin is better known as the Popper, but it might as well be “KC,” he said. His love for Kansas City has inspired both his music career and award-winning apparel business. As a performer, he’s rapped about his hometown on his singles “I’m KC” and “For the City,” and as a collaborator on Tech…
10 finalists vying for ‘Fan Favorite’ in AltCap Your Biz competition; Here’s how to vote
AltCap’s marquee GEWKC competition for emerging entrepreneurs is returning in November, but fans of the businesses can cast votes now to determine a $2,500 “fan favorite” winner at the coming pitch event. Ten finalists for the AltCap Your Biz competition were announced this week. The live pitch day is set for Nov. 17 at iWerx…
