Trio of tech startups hop in the Digital Sandbox
June 21, 2016 | Bobby Burch
A trio of tech startups have entered the Kansas City-based incubator Digital Sandbox KC.
Led by entrepreneur Jeff Shackelford, the incubator welcomed Flokk, Routine Success and Tapyness into its program.
Digital Sandbox invests up to $25,000 in area businesses for specific projects that help the firms secure additional funding. The organization has now supported 73 proof-of-concept projects in 2015.
Here’s a bit more on the three startups entering the program:
Flokk created a social event platform that connects people to events and rewards. The platform also analyzes data and content to connect event organizers to sponsors. The platform offers proximity-based promotions, automatic checks, real-time analytics as the event is happening and a customer loyalty program. The funds will help Flokk accelerate tech development of its app platform.
Routine Success enables parents of children with ADHD and autism build digital routines to assist their children throughout the day. Routines are delivered to the child through a discreet, “watch-form-factor wearable” that cuts costs of other hardware. The Sandbox funding will help the company prototype a product.
Tapyness created a quick survey platform to help businesses capture consumer feedback as they’re leaving a location. The surveys aim to offer businesses more insight on customer feedback. The Sandbox funds will help the company with app and dashboard development and beta testing.
Since Digital Sandbox’s 2013 launch, the organization has funded 73 projects, helped launch 27 new businesses, enabled the growth of 247 jobs and spurred $22.7 million in follow-on funding. The program is funded in part by two i6 Challenge grants from the Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, as well as universities, private companies and KCSourceLink.
Digital Sandbox welcomes applications on a rolling basis and evaluates startups every eight weeks. Launched in February 2013, the Digital Sandbox KC has worked with more than 300 entrepreneurs and early-stage companies across the metro area. Visit www.digitalsandboxkc.com for more information.
Featured Business
2016 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
RECAP: 1 Million Cups focuses on time with Mixtape, Flowh
There was a theme at today’s 1 Million Cups KC, and it was time. Two startups presented their businesses, both at different stages, and both in different industries, but both dealing with time — how we remember it and how we manage it. Mixtape founder Joel Johnson was first to present his firm, which created…
Lean Lab eyes $25K in national pitch contest
The Lean Lab, a Kansas City-based education innovation incubator, is hoping to strike gold in a national pitch competition in California. The organization on Wednesday will be pitching its model in the Teach For America Social Innovation Awards, an annual competition in which the Lean Lab hopes to snag a $25,000 prize. Lean Lab is the…
Major network provider taps SquareOffs for ‘Rant Offs’
SquareOffs recently landed a client that may place its web-based debate technology in front of millions of more people. The company partnered with digital media network Rant Inc. to offer its online debate and polling tech to engage Rant’s readers and increase their advertising revenue. “It’s one of the bigger contracts that we’re apart of,”…
Techweek, Launch KC winners have shot at more money
The winning company at a demo day competition during Kansas City’s coming Techweek conference will earn a chance at nabbing significantly more dough. In addition to a $50,000 LaunchKC grant, the winning firm would have a shot at an added $50,000 from a national competition. LaunchKC — an initiative to attract 10 tech firms to relocate to Kansas…