Digital Sandbox KC nabs $950K to continue regional startup impact
July 10, 2018 | Bobby Burch
Already with a lasting legacy of growing the area entrepreneurial ecosystem, Digital Sandbox KC has received significant support that should fuel its program for years to come.
The proof-of-concept incubator was recently awarded a combined $950,000 — $450,000 from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and $500,000 from the Missouri Technology Corporation.
The two grants will help the organization’s efforts to award funding to promising startups in the Kansas City area, said Jeff Shackelford, director of Digital Sandbox KC.
“We’ve found that the Sandbox fills a critical gap for early-stage companies in Kansas City,” Shackelford said. “Support from the Kauffman Foundation, MTC and the surrounding communities allows us to continue to significantly increase the volume of high-growth potential startups, who in turn create more new jobs in the region.”
Launched in 2013, Digital Sandbox offers up to $20,000 in grants to startups with a focus of bringing a product from idea to commercialization. The organization has worked with more than 500 entrepreneurs and early-stage companies across the Kansas City metro.
Digital Sandbox has helped to make a significant economic impact in Kansas City via its support of dozens of startups. Since its launch about five years ago, Digital Sandbox has issued $1.9 million in project funding to 100 early-state firms that have created 585 new jobs with more than $14 million in payroll, according to the organization. The startups also have gone on to raise more than $50 million in follow-on funding.
“Our success is a direct result of the quality and quantity of entrepreneurs in Kansas City,” said Shackelford. “By capping the Sandbox project size at $20,000 we can support even more early-stage ideas and keep the program’s momentum growing.”
The incubator’s impact has been vital to spur growth in Kansas City, said Erin Jenkins, program officer at the Kauffman Foundation.
“Digital Sandbox KC plays a pivotal role in the Kansas City entrepreneurial ecosystem,” Jenkins said. “Working together creates an excellent opportunity to reduce barriers for early-stage companies.”
Since 2016, Digital Sandbox has established partnerships with GXP Investments, the City of Independence, St. Joseph, Missouri and Olathe, Kansas, to launch proof-of-concept incubator programs.
Featured Business
2018 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Events Preview: Compute Midwest, Shark Tank
There are a boatload of entrepreneurial events hosted in Kansas City on a weekly basis. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, supporter or curious Kansas Citian, we’d recommend these upcoming events for you. WEEKLY EVENT PREVIEW Compute Midwest When: October 22 – 23 Where: Municipal Arena Over a thousand remarkable people from around the globe will converge in…
Lager: Why I quit my cushy job for a broke startup
It’s 4:03 a.m. My bedroom is still dark and the late August heat leaves me little need for a blanket. I lay here wide-awake, arms crossed behind my head on a pillow that’s too thin, while the rest of the world sleeps in deep peacefulness. I hear nothing, save for the wind occasionally singing outside…
90 on the Clock with Mighty Handle
90 on the Clock with Mighty Handle By John McGrath, KCPT, and Bobby Burch, Startland News Ed’s Note: Flatland and Startland News have partnered to highlight Kansas City’s innovators and entrepreneurs, all in 90 seconds. This is the fifth and final episode in the series. Think of Mighty Handle as your digital defender. No, Mighty Handle is not anti-virus…
Gooding: Create your own market — don’t compete in someone else’s
“It’s a $100 million dollar industry, all I have to do is capture 1 percent of that market and I’ll make a million dollars.” After working with hundreds of startups, I have heard this statement countless times. This way of thinking is held by many business owners regardless of their industry, background or target market.…