Newest Techstars KC class tackling payday loans, food safety, bots for business

Techstars Kansas City has revealed its 2018 cohort of startups.

The 10 companies will make a big impact not only on Kansas City but the global economy, said Lesa Mitchell, managing director of Techstars KC.

“Although our companies come from many industries, they share in common that they are all solving problems to make the world as we know it more efficient and transparent,” Mitchell said. “From making our water safer, our food safer, to solving the problem of payday loans right where they began — in Kansas City.”

In exchange for 6 percent equity, Techstars KC startups receive $120,000, participation in the accelerator program and access to Techstars’ global network of alumni and mentors. Based in Boulder, Colorado, Techstars is a global accelerator firm with 32 programs across the globe, in such cities as Los Angeles, New York City, London and Paris.

This year’s class hails from three countries and includes six companies from the Midwest, Mitchell said.

Techstars KC’s Demo Day and conference are set for Oct. 11, as part of this year’s Techweek festivities.

Here’s more on each of the companies:

Bellwethr — Based in Kansas City, Mo., Bellwethr creates automated forecasting bots for businesses.

Daupler — Based in Kansas City, Mo., Daupler created a first-response platform for the water industry.

EdSights — Based in New York, New York, EdSights helps universities measure and improve the student experience.

Noviqu — Based in Columbia, Mo., Noviqu is digitizing safety, training and maintenance in the manufacturing industry.

Wyk — Based in the Netherlands, Wyk helps to digitize international logistics transactions.

SaRA Health — Based in Los Angeles, SaRA Health helps reduce recovery times for occupational injuries through its digital assistant.

SoLo — Based in New York, New York, SoLo is a mobile lending exchange connecting lenders and borrowers for the purpose of providing affordable access to loans under $1,000.

Smart Diagnostics Systems  — Based in Columbia, Mo, Smart Diagnostics Systems detects pathogens in food 75 percent faster, 90 percent more accurate, while reducing costs by 50 percent, according to the company.

Townfolio — Based in Saskatoon, Canada, Townfolio created a real-time analytics platform for local economies.

Wattbuy —  Based in Bellevue, Washington, Wattbuy helps homeowners take control of their electricity.