Techstars Kansas City accepting startups for second accelerator class
January 26, 2018 | Startland News Staff
One of the Midwest’s most competitive accelerator programs is looking for technology enabled startups with global potential.
Techstars Kansas City is now accepting applications for its three-month, mentor-led 2018 class. The program is set to begin July 16, culminating with an Oct. 11 demo day event in which participating startups will pitch to the community and investors. Applications close April 8.
“The goal of Techstars is identifying first-in-class tech companies,” said Lesa Mitchell, Techstars KC managing director, in July 2017, when the inaugural class was announced. “We always have a goal of identifying companies that have a serious long tail and have a huge opportunity with lots of different products down the roadway.”
In exchange for 6 percent equity, Techstars KC startups receive $120,000, participation in the accelerator program and access to Techstars’ global network of alumni and mentors.
“In the heartland of the U.S., Techstars Kansas City is building new global companies. Home to one of the largest Design + Build, Agriculture and Animal Health hubs in the world, Kansas City is fast becoming a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship,” Techstars says in its application.
The inaugural Techstars KC class was a diverse hodgepodge of industries, including ed tech, artificial intelligence, law, virtual reality, food and more. Mitchell also pulled the firms from a variety of U.S. cities, including San Francisco, Austin, Phoenix, Wichita, Kansas City and more.
Based in Boulder, Colorado, Techstars is a global accelerator firm with 32 programs across the globe, in such cities as Los Angeles, New York City, London and Paris. (Applications to many of those programs also now are open.) Kansas City is the second smallest city in which the accelerator firm operates after Boulder.
Check out scenes from Techstars Kansas City’s 2017 demo day here.
Featured Business
2018 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Stripping Missouri’s supplier diversity goals stifles state’s prosperity potential, says women’s business advocate
Ending nearly a decade of benchmarks that helped ensure greater equity in state contracts for businesses owned by minorities and women is a move in the wrong direction for Missouri, said Jennifer Brungardt, emphasizing the coming impact of lost opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs. “Diversity and economic growth will be stifled without proper support from our…
Capital connector’s message to women: Your investor pool isn’t just sharks; dive in and learn to swim
When it comes to navigating the waters of capital and equity, Women’s Capital Connection angel investment network and the Women’s Business Center serve as a guide to both entrepreneurs and investors, Kelly Sievers shared. “All the education that we do and all the connections that we make, I would say that’s really the key,” explained…
Entrepreneur behind Soul of Santa aims to create Rockefeller Plaza holiday experience on KC’s east side
Tucker Lott hopes an outdoor ice skating rink at 2000 Vine — the home of Vine Street Brewing — will help solidify a new holiday tradition in the 18th and Vine entertainment district, the veteran entrepreneur said. “We wanted to create a holiday atmosphere where families could gather and have fun,” said Lott. “The entire…
Proptech startup Particle Space acquired by LA real estate marketing software firm
The acquisition of a Kansas City proptech startup by one of its first — and biggest — customers offers founder David Biga the opportunity to pivot back to his entrepreneurial roadmap, he said, reflecting on next steps once Particle Space’s technology is fully integrated into its new home. “Build, give back, build, give back,” Biga…