LaunchKC-backed insurtech accelerator hopes to claim new cohort by Aug. 22

Brush Creek Partners and LaunchKC are again eyeing startups ready to accelerate their go-to-market plans, the partners announced Tuesday. 

The application period for the LaunchKC-backed bcp tech InsurTech accelerator has officially opened, Nathan Kurtz, COO of Brush Creek Partners (bcp), said in a release, marking the program’s second run. 

“When you have an insurtech product that is ready for market, we want to help accelerate your growth,” Kurtz added, noting the partners are looking for innovation-focused insurtech companies working to improve client experience or increase efficiency for service-based teams. 

The accelerator plans to select five agency-focused technology companies for its cohort and promises founders and teams access to potential clients, mentors and investors.  

An application deadline is set for Aug. 22. The 60-day program is expected to kick-off Sept. 20.

Think your company meets the criteria listed above? Click here to apply. 

First hosted in July 2020, the BCP InsureTech program drew more than 65 applicants from across the country and amid the height of the pandemic. 

Locally, the program welcomed Overland Park-based RiskGenius into its inaugural cohort. The startup sold to Columbus, Ohio-based BoldPenguin shortly after.

“Kansas City has a long history and legacy of insurance, and there are great opportunities to support high-growth potential InsurTech companies looking for customer feedback and growth,” Kurtz said. “Our purpose is to challenge how the insurance industry works and exceed expectations.”

A Nov. 11 demo day for the new cohort is planned. The event is expected to be hosted downtown and open to the public, Brush Creek said. 

The bcp program is the first of four accelerators expected to welcome cohorts in partnership with LaunchKC over the next year. 

“Kansas City is entrepreneurial at its core,” said Tommy Wilson, who oversees business attraction for LaunchKC. “Without the public and private commitment we’ve seen over the years to programs like this, we wouldn’t be nearly as competitive as we are on a national scale.”

Founded as a grants competition nearly seven years ago, LaunchKC formally announced last fall a restructuring of its programming as an accelerator platform under the leadership of Keystone Labs — an outgrowth of the Keystone innovation district effort championed by Kevin McGinnis. 

Click here to learn more about the evolution of LaunchKC and its impact in Kansas City. 

Since 2019, LaunchKC — a joint initiative of the Downtown Council and the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri — has aided the launch of two other accelerator programs. 

The Launch Health accelerator with Nueterra Capital hosted its first cohort in the fall of 2019. Black & Veatch’s IgniteX COVID-19 Response Accelerator followed in spring 2020 after debuting a CleanTech focused accelerator in spring 2019.