nbkc bank launching FinTech accelerator with at least $50K for each startup
June 20, 2018 | Bobby Burch
Leveraging an area aptitude for innovation in finance, nbkc bank is launching an accelerator program for early-stage financial technology startups from across the globe.
The Kansas City-based community bank has partnered with the LaunchKC grants contest to offer the Fountain City Fintech Accelerator, which will soon welcome applications for its inaugural class. The 75-day program begins Oct. 1.
“LaunchKC is thrilled to partner with nbkc bank to start Fountain City Fintech, adding another great resource for entrepreneurs and expanding the city’s efforts to become the most entrepreneurial city in America,” said Drew Solomon, senior vice president, business and job development at the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City. “It’s a great expansion to the LaunchKC grant competition, and the team at nbkc has shown they’re willing to invest the time, effort and dollars in the community to make innovation happen. We are currently conducting grant making opportunities to increase the impact and reach of the accelerator.”
nbkc bank and LaunchKC will select five companies from the pool of applicants, each of which will receive a minimum $50,000 investment in exchange for 2 to 4 percent equity in the firm. In addition to the funding, nbkc will provide the firms mentorship, connections and space at its headquarters located at 8320 Ward Parkway, Kansas City.
Pettet
The program will be led by Kansas City startup champion Zach Anderson Pettet, who recently made the case that Kansas City is an underground tech hub.
“Kansas City’s been a Fintech hub for longer than most people realize,” said Pettet. “The likes of H&R Block, BATS, and ZOLOZ have paved the way for an upcoming wave of financial technology innovation. With community Partners like LaunchKC, VC Partners like Plug and Play Ventures, and a stable of top-flight mentors from around the world, Fountain City Fintech is excited to play a pivotal role in that wave. We’re perfectly positioned to accelerate entrepreneurs’ efforts to solve real-world financial problems through technology.”
To learn more, or to apply to the Fountain City Fintech Accelerator, visit www.fountaincityfintech.com
2018 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Still in the game: 16 startups advance in Kansas pitch tournament; courting a new style of seed funding
WICHITA — And then there were 16. Monday’s pitch competition announcement served up sweet news for more than a dozen Kansas startups as local founders learned they’re advancing in the Gamechangers & Champions “Bracket Bash for Innovators and Angels” — a tournament-style event set to end with a $20,000 grand prize. The just-released list of…
What comes after the World Cup? Leaders ponder KC’s next phase (and how to get there)
Editor’s note: The following is the first in a four-part series exploring the verticals and impact of initiatives within the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City through a paid partnership with EDCKC. [divide] EDCKC leader: Tapping Kansas City’s full potential requires coordinated eco devo strategy across region Tracey Lewis has lived and worked in some…
Clock is ticking on World Cup 2026: Small businesses urged to prepare before this buzzer-beater
A massive influx of visitors are expected next year when more than 600,000 fans descend on Kansas City for its piece of the FIFA World Cup 2026 prize, but potential roadblocks lie ahead for small business owners who are waiting for the action instead of preparing now to capitalize on it, said local leaders. “This…
Downtown KCMO ballpark remains in play as Kansas aggressively pursues Royals
Editor’s note: The perspectives expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Gib Kerr is the chair of the Downtown Council of Kansas City, Missouri, managing director at Cushman & Wakefield, and an author. This piece was first published by the Downtown Council. [divide] Where should the Royals play baseball? Last year, the debate was…