mySidewalk teases Sidekick — a data assistant at the forefront of AI’s difficult-to-simple transformation
May 22, 2024 | Startland News Staff
A new purpose-built community data and visualization tool from mySidewalk is designed to revolutionize decision making and empower those willing to embrace change when supplied with accessible and reliable data.
The Kansas City-based govtech company this month announced the beta launch of Sidekick, an AI-powered data assistant meant to drive meaningful progress through insights gleaned from it and the startup’s broader platform, said Stephen Hardy, CEO of mySidewalk.
“Finding useful data to make critical community investment and development decisions is too hard. We can change that,” he said. “We’re at the forefront of a new era where AI can make the difficult simple.”
“Our beta testers are helping to make Sidekick an invaluable resource for leaders dedicated to making a positive difference,” Hardy continued.
mySidewalk has a team dedicated to gathering the most relevant data for customers and offering tools that allow anyone — not just data scientists — to understand it, he said.
Building on mySidewalk’s mission to democratize data and equip changemakers with the necessary tools, Sidekick simplifies data access, provides trusted and transparent analytics, and facilitates data-driven storytelling while helping users sidestep technical barriers with an intuitive, natural language interface.
Those interested can access Sidekick through mySidewalk’s software platform to explore thousands of data points, create visualizations like maps, and craft narratives about transportation, economy indicators, public health, housing, and environmental factors.
Sidekick will be available to mySidewalk customers as part of their software subscription.
“Sidekick is founded on principles of accessibility and equity,” Hardy said. “Our robust foundation of meticulously researched proprietary data ensures reliable results, fostering trust and transparency in the analysis process. Ultimately, Sidekick will free up time for high-impact activities by finding and communicating meaningful insights faster and with less effort.”
Want to help beta test Sidekick? Click here to join the waitlist.

2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Protein-packed pallets: Sam’s Club deal pushes SimplyFUEL balls to record production (and Mitzi Dulan is rolling with it)
Juggling more than 50 million protein balls in 2024 is paying off for SimplyFUEL, Mitzi Dulan said, noting production quadrupled during the past year after adding retail giant Sam’s Club to its wholesale lineup. The founder and CEO is already riding that momentum in 2025, she said, teasing another big retailer launch in April. It’s…
Kansas City HR tech startup earns $9M defense contract to help hire skilled workers for nuclear subs
Meeting the U.S. Navy’s aggressive hiring goals requires collaboration across thousands of contractors in all 50 states at a time when America is already experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, said Ray Dick, co-founder of a talent assessment and hiring software platform developed specifically for manufacturing and skilled trades. His Kansas City, Missouri-based company, Piccadilly…
Fifth & Emery rebrand puts local in control; Isaac Lee Collins’ next move: add handmade chocolate
Taking his businesses independent is the cherry on top for Isaac Lee Collins, following more than a decade building his credentials as one of Kansas City’s most consistent and resilient entrepreneurs. A rebrand of Collins’ frozen yogurt ventures adds a further twist to his story. “After 10 years of being a franchisee of Yogurtini and…
Prospect KC earns $10K grant from Jacques Pépin Foundation as Gumbo Fest set to return
A newly announced grant will be pivotal to advance The Prospect KC’s mission to empower lives, disrupt poverty, and cultivate community through culinary education, said chef and founder Shanita McAfee-Bryant. The $10,000 grant from The Jacques Pépin Foundation (JPF) is one of 16 recently awarded to organizations that use culinary arts to enhance lives and…


