Five startups hop into the Digital Sandbox KC

Another batch of early-stage firms are planning to accelerate their businesses via Digital Sandbox KC.

Kansas City business incubator Digital Sandbox KC on Thursday announced that five startups have received its proof-of-concept funding support. Digital Sandbox, which invests up to $25,000 in area businesses for specific projects that help the firms secure additional funding, has now supported 69 proof-of-concept projects in 2015.

“Once again the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Kansas City can be seen by this group of diverse entrepreneurs,” Jeff Shackelford, director of Digital Sandbox KC, said in a release. “From portable power plants to socially interactive jukeboxes, Kansas City startups cover it all.”

Here’s a bit more on the five startups entering the program:

FireBoard created a cloud-connected smart thermometer that’s designed for remote monitoring in both hot and cold environments, primarily in the commercial setting. The company targets  industries such as food service, transportation, health care, pharmaceuticals and technology. The Sandbox funds will be used for research and development, FireBoard founder Ted Conrad said.

Foundation Accelerator has launched a software platform for residential foundation repair contractors to help them stay organized, increase their quality of service and reduce costs.

Hybrid Communications created a rapidly deployable “Hybrid Cube” that serves as an environmentally-conscious alternative to traditional generators. The patented product delivers a cost savings of up to 60 percent over traditional backup energy sources, according to the company.

Vector Legal Method offers a software-as-a-service (SaaS) case management platform for law firms, attorneys and their clients to organize workflow. The platform manages document storage and retrieval, case deadlines and tasks associated with the documents and provides case summaries.

YouSpin created “socially interactive” jukebox system and mobile app for bars, nightclubs and restaurants. YouSpin allows people to play music, chat with others in the venue, get drink specials and play trivia with others at a bar.

Since Digital Sandbox’s 2013 launch, the organization has funded 69 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.