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

    KC’s FairWave coffee pours into the Carolinas with latest small-batch roaster acquisition

    By Tommy Felts | April 2, 2025

    Joining Midwest-based coffee collective FairWave gives Black & White Coffee Roasters access to the enhanced equipment, resources and network needed to scale the North Carolina business to its potential — while staying true to its values, said Kyle Ramage. “It’s a natural progression that will allow us to build upon our existing foundation and reach…

    DoorDash Accelerator opens applications to local businesses through KCMO partnership

    By Tommy Felts | April 2, 2025

    Independently-owned brick-and-mortar businesses — think restaurants, flower shops, mom-and-pop supermarkets, and more across Kansas City — that partner with DoorDash for deliveries can now apply to join a new-to-KC entrepreneur-focused accelerator, Quinton Lucas announced Wednesday. Up to 10 local businesses are expected to be selected to receive mentorship, professional programming, and funding through the accelerator.…

    Meet the winners: Pitch Black competition rewards founders’ vision with $60K in prizes

    By Tommy Felts | April 1, 2025

    Founder Godfrey Riddle was overwhelmed with emotion Saturday, he said, after accepting the $30,000 grand prize at the Pitch Black Business Summit — a game-changing development for his sustainable, affordable housing venture, Civic Saint. “I’m feeling phenomenal. Shocked, relieved — just elated,” said Riddle, following the announcement of his win. “It’s crazy because when you…

    This young baker tore up the instructions for starting a business (but kept all the best recipes)

    By Tommy Felts | March 31, 2025

    Overland Park cookie shop gets a new baker behind the counter, adding a frosted twist to familiar favorites She learned to bake as a child by her grandmother’s side. So by middle school, Maddie Callicott was so proficient she not only held popular bake sales, she printed up business cards for her “You Take the…