Startups
Digital Sandbox announces funding for six new companies
On Thursday, Digital Sandbox KC announced its newest cohort of six area startups. Led by entrepreneur Jeff Shackelford, the Kansas City-based incubator welcomed 17° 73° Innovation Co, Anticipate Ventures, FEWDM, Homegrown & Happy, Live-K and TicketRx to the program. “The continued support through partnerships, like Independence, Olathe and Great Plains Energy for the Energy…
During Taste of Techstars, David Cohen offers three tips for hopeful applicants
Founder and co-CEO of Techstars David Cohen addressed Kansas City via a simulcast on Thursday morning, sharing three tips for startups. This preceded the day long workshop Taste of Techstars, which is hosted in multiple Techstars cities. Including simulcast talks, mentor sessions and pitch practice — Kansas City Techstars managing director Lesa Mitchell said she…
Pear Deck raises $4M to accelerate its ed tech tool
Fast-growing ed tech firm Pear Deck has plucked a $4 million investment as it plans to expand the use of its student engagement platform. The Iowa City-based firm — which operates a sales and marketing office in Kansas City — raised the capital from Growth Street Partners and existing investors, including Village Capital, Hyde Park…
Olathe-based Metactive lands $1.5M, two medical patents
Olathe-based medical device company Metactive released a pair of positive announcements for the firm. In addition to being awarded two patents, the firm closed on a $1.5 million Series A funding round — bringing its total raised to over $9 million. The round was co-led by the Mid-America Angels and an unnamed investor. Previously, the firm…
Uber exec with KC ties resigns to explore Kansas politics
An Uber executive with strong ties to Kansas City has announced his resignation and return to Kansas. Uber announced Tuesday that Brian McClendon, vice president of maps and business platforms at Uber, would be stepping down from his post as he explores a life in Kansas politics. A University of Kansas graduate, McClendon in January…
