Kauffman Foundation, Uber launch grant contest for women-led startups
September 13, 2016 | Meghan LeVota
Female entrepreneurs in Kansas City may not have the luxury of riding a “glass escalator,” but on Oct. 26 they can take an Uber ride for a chance at $120,000.
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation on Tuesday announced UberPITCH, a nationwide pitch competition in partnership with Uber and business accelerator The Refinery. Women-led startups will have a chance to win up to $120,000 in grants and will gain feedback from investors.
Competitors will deliver a 10- to 15-minute pitch to an investor while riding in an Uber. Finalists will be invited to present their companies at the “Fueling the Growth” showcase in Stamford, Conn., on Nov. 16, where finalists will compete for the funds.
“Women-led startups received less than 2.7 percent of venture capital in 2011 – 2013, so a competition like this helps connect women entrepreneurs and investors in a dynamic, fun and innovative way,” Refinery co-founder Janis Collins said in a release. “But this competition is about more than prize money; it’s about giving the founders valuable access to investors and input on their businesses.”
The competition is open to those in Providence R.I., Baltimore Md., New Haven, Conn., Stamford, Conn., Washington D.C., and Kansas City, Mo. In order to apply, startups must have at least one woman in a leadership role, be able to demonstrate scalability, and utilize technology in their business model.
Full guidelines and applications are available here. Entrepreneurs must apply by Oct. 20.
2016 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
‘A relentless pursuit of perfection’ earns Niall national nod
Kansas City watching-making startup Niall recently topped a list of leading American-made watches. A publication that features social impact brands,The Good Trade dished a cornucopia of commendations to Niall, a two-year-old startup that’s surged in popularity and snagged headlines around the nation. The online media group made note of CEO Michael Wilson’s tireless pursuit of excellence with…
Fund Me, KC: FireBoard’s thermometer cooks up smarter chefs
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 What does FireBoard…
Serial entrepreneur Gary Fish’s new venture is ‘about helping others be successful’
After over a year of settling down into a relaxed lifestyle, serial entrepreneur Gary Fish found that he missed the thrill of competition that comes with running a business. In April, the successful Kansas City businessman launched Fishtech Labs — a managed security services company that also boasts an investment arm that targets tech firms.…
Ahead of KC Coworking Week, leaders dispel industry misconceptions
About a year ago, leaders in Kansas City’s coworking industry banded together in an alliance to bring awareness to their trade. The Kansas City Coworking Alliance has grown as a catalyst in the area startup community, promoting independent collaborative working among entrepreneurs and remote workers. Comprised of 10 studios around the metro, the group is…