Fishtech, BacklotCars, Bardavon named to Forbes’ 2020 best startup employers list

March 10, 2020  |  Startland News Staff

Fishtech Group

A trio of fast-growing Kansas City companies are among the 500 best startup employers in the nation, according to a new ranking from Forbes.

Gary Fish, Fishtech Group

Gary Fish, Fishtech Group

Fishtech Group — one of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2020 — lead the local honorees at No. 277 on Forbes’ list.

BacklotCars was ranked at No. 339, followed by Bardavon Health Innovations at No. 439.

Click here to see the full list of America’s Best Startup Employers for 2020.

“Those who are drawn to [working at] early-stage companies may have different professional priorities than those at more established firms, but the qualities they value most in employers are surprisingly similar,” the Forbes report read.

Such values include a clear mission, learning and development opportunities, transparency, and a flexible structure, according to the report. The top 500 list was compiled by evaluating 2,500 American businesses with at least 50 employees on three criteria: employer reputation, employee satisfaction and growth.

High-end amenities and cutting-edge office space also likely help.

Fishtech, a rapidly growing cyber security firm, boasts a sprawling Martin City campus with a more than $10 million cyber defense center. BacklotCars, which offers a wholesale platform for auto dealers, relocated in 2019 to fill a full floor of the newly renovated Lightwell building in downtown Kansas City.

Click here to take a closer look at Fishtech’s headquarters.

Matt Condon, Bardavon

Matt Condon, Bardavon

For Bardavon, the recognition was unexpected, said Matt Condon, the healthcare startup’s CEO.

“This was a surprise to us. However, we unapologetically expect that Bardavon will continue to be recognized as a national market force for evolving and improving healthcare,” he said. “Because of our unique mission to optimize outcomes by focusing on clinical data and disintermediating the claims process through technology and transparency, we have been able to recruit some of the best talent in the country to our Bardavon team.”

Bardavon is one of 62 healthcare startups and one of only nine healthcare startups in the Midwest; the rest are located on the east or west coasts, the company emphasized.

Bardavaon was named one of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2018.

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

Did you enjoy this post? Show your support by becoming a member or buying us a coffee.

2020 Startups to Watch

    stats here

    Related Posts on Startland News

    Rooftop Austin’s Bar & Grill just one step in unlocking Olathe’s ‘downtown renaissance’

    By Tommy Felts | February 24, 2025

    A century-old building in downtown Olathe will get new life as an indoor/outdoor restaurant complex known as County Square Commons — anchored by the popular Austin’s Bar & Grill. LANE4 Property Group and Austin’s are redeveloping the 10,859-square-foot building, which is expected to feature four or five storefronts on the street level at 114 to 126…

    Concert: Black rockstars don’t just exist — they innovated the genre; how KC artists are still (song)writing history

    By Tommy Felts | February 24, 2025

    A rock concert Friday at the newly opened Zhou B Art Center in Kansas City does more than place Black artists center stage for one night, said Malek Azrael; it spotlights that Black creatives belong in every musical space. “There is such a beautiful, Black presence in Kansas City and rock,” said Azrael, who is…

    Blackhole Bakery plans bodega-style expansion for second location: a West Plaza ‘blank canvas’

    By Tommy Felts | February 24, 2025

    During his five years operating on Troost, Jason Provo said real estate agents often approached him, asking, “When are you going to leave and get a big boy spot in Leawood?” Now the owner of beloved Blackhole Bakery is planning his second location. But not in Johnson County. Provo is taking over a space at…

    Dublin down on shenanigans: Smoke Brewing goes green with St. Patrick’s season pop-up 

    By Tommy Felts | February 24, 2025

    St. Patrick’s Day-themed Shenanigans is now open in downtown Lee’s Summit. But just until March 23. The owners of Smoke Brewing Company at 209 S.E. Main St. decked out the barbecue restaurant and brewery in floor-to-ceiling St. Paddy’s decor, and have food and drink specials to match. It’s a way to make St. Patrick’s Day…