Happy holidays: Three startups receive Digital Sandbox funds
December 20, 2017 | Bobby Burch
They might not be wrapped with a bow, but Digital Sandbox KC has delivered three gifts to area startups ahead of the holidays.
The proof-of-concept incubator program is dishing grants to TradeLanes, Hungry? and MusicSpoke — three startups that aim to revamp their respective industries with innovative technologies, said Jeff Shackelford, director of Digital Sandbox.
“We know that the more connected early-stage entrepreneurs are — to each other and to the resources — the higher their probability of success,” Jeff Shackelford said in a release. “The Sandbox is helping startups in KC make those connections. We’ve now funded 96 projects and worked with more than 500 entrepreneurs in the metro.”
Launched in 2013, Digital Sandbox offers up to $25,000 in grants to startups with a focus of bringing a product from idea to commercialization.
Both TradeLanes and MusicSpoke were named 2017 Under the Radar startups by Startland News. Here’s a bit more on the three Digital Sandbox companies:
Hungry? is a mobile app with an algorithm to simplify the decision of what and where to eat, helping users find dining options.
MusicSpoke is a global marketplace that allows musicians and educators to purchase sheet music directly from composers. Check out Startland’s profile on MusicSpoke here.
TradeLanes automates trade management for U.S. exporters that uses an online platform to lower costs and make their supply chain more efficient. Check out Startland’s profile on TradeLanes here.
Digital Sandbox established a partnership with the City of Independence and the Independence Economic Development Council in 2016. With similar programs operating in Olathe, Kansas, and St. Joseph, Missouri, the Independence program aims to expand Digital Sandbox resources to the greater Kansas City metro area, Shackelford said.
Since its launch about five years ago, Digital Sandbox issued $1.8 million in project funding for more than 90 early-state firms that have created 536 new jobs with more than $14 million in payroll, according to the organization.
Featured Business
2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Kansas City Chief Dontari Poe challenges students, startups with new contest
Veteran Kansas City Chief Dontari Poe is hosting a competition that bridges young Kansas Citians and entrepreneurship. Set for Dec. 13 at Think Big Coworking, Poe Man’s Challenge will pair nine local startups with 30 Kansas City high school students and pitch the companies to a panel of celebrity judges, including Poe and his teammates.…
Router Ventures plans to make more KC startup investments
Led by regional startup champion Jeff Slobotski, Omaha-based Router Ventures is hoping to grow its early-stage investment portfolio with more Kansas City firms. With seven startups in its roster, the $1.1 million seed fund plans to accelerate its dealmaking in 2017 and Slobotski said Kansas City is key to the strategy. “I strongly believe that…
Gary Fish invests $4M in Virginia security firm Haystax Technology
Kansas City-based technology accelerator Fishtech Labs announced its second investment Thursday. Just four months after the firm invested $3 million in Overland Park’s Foresite, Fishtech injected $4 million in security analytics provider Haystax Technology. “Once I became aware of their technology platform, there was never a second thought as to whether or not I should…
With scholarships available, urban business effort grows Kansas City
An effort to increase entrepreneurship in the urban core of Kansas City is increasing its area economic impact as well as its scholarship opportunities. Launched in 2013, the Urban Business Growth Initiative offers a variety of programs that help applicants access resources, classes and counseling to create jobs and support urban business growth. The UBGI…