Startups

The Sprint Accelerator returns in 2017 with new approach

By Tommy Felts / October 20, 2016

In less that 24 hours, Kansas City has learned that it will have a new pair of major accelerator programs in 2017. The Sprint Accelerator announced Thursday morning that, while it’s retained its name, the program has undergone a significant evolution that hopes to foster meaningful partnerships between startups and Kansas City corporations. Among a…

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Techstars to launch new accelerator program in Kansas City

By Tommy Felts / October 19, 2016

Accelerator guru group Techstars announced Wednesday that it’s launching a new program in Kansas City after leading the Sprint Accelerator for three years with Sprint. Lesa Mitchell, a former vice president of innovation and networks for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, will serve as the managing director of the Kansas City accelerator. “We’re excited to…

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Darcy Howe

KCRise Fund makes first area investments in SpiderOak, Innara Health

By Tommy Felts / October 19, 2016

Only a few weeks after closing on its first $10 million, the KCRise Fund announced Wednesday that it has invested in its first Kansas City-area companies. Launched in February in conjunction with the KC Rising economic initiative, the KCRise Fund is joining ongoing investment rounds in SpiderOak and Innara Health. The fund, led by Darcy…

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Magic Johnson, David Stern headline $5M round in ShotTracker

By Tommy Felts / October 19, 2016

A sojourn to the City of Angels has taken on magical meaning for ShotTracker. The Merriam-based firm announced Wednesday that basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson and former NBA Commissioner David Stern are among a group of investors that have injected $5 million into its coffers. The duo of high-profile investors will help accelerate the wearable…

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Successful VideoFizz campaign supports breast cancer awareness, research

By Tommy Felts / October 18, 2016

One Kansas City startup is recognizing breast cancer awareness month through a promotion to support the American Breast Cancer Foundation. This October, VideoFizz is encouraging users to create a video on their platform to let someone special know you are “pinking” of them, raising awareness and support for the foundation. Whether it’s celebrating survival, uplifting…

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