Six Kansas City startups hop in the Digital Sandbox

Kansas City-based business incubator Digital Sandbox KC will offer financial support to six area firms working on a variety of tech projects.

Digital Sandbox, which invests up to $25,000 in area businesses for specific projects that help the firms secure additional funding, has now supported 20 proof-of-concept projects in 2015.

“We continue to be amazed at the quality of companies being started in Kansas City,” Jeff Shackelford, director of Digital Sandbox KC, said in a release. “There’s been no letup in our applications since we started the program in 2013.”

Since Digital Sandbox’s 2013 launch, the organization has funded 61 projects, helped launch 23 new businesses, enabled the growth of 181 jobs and spurred $17.8 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.

Here’s a bit more on each of the six companies now playing in the Sandbox:

Training For REAL is a hospitality consulting firm that aims to transform training into engaged-learning that reduces employee attrition and increases sales. Digital Sandbox funds will help the company develop a cloud-based training platform that allows for broader reach and scale.

Miles is a mobile app that tracks and logs mileage for business purposes. Miles users can create and export mileage logs without the need of manual input. Digital Sandbox dough will allow Miles to complete its beta product in early 2016.

UpDown NightLife’s app enables clubs and bars to improve customer satisfaction rates with bottle service. The app allows customers to reserve tables, pick mixers and put together guest lists. Digital Sandbox will help UpDown NightLife complete app development and launch the project.

PlanIT Impact is developing a web app allowing architects and planners to better understand how a building will impact the environment, the community and the building’s inhabitants. The tool generates early performance calculations related to energy and water use, stormwater infiltration, greenhouse gas emissions, transportation, building mix, quality of life and potential return on investment. The Digital Sandbox KC project focuses on the beta version of the app.

Edcoda creates customizable educational content for students using video games. Its interactive software engages students to learn while also equipping teachers with tools to chart academic progress. Digital Sandbox funds will help develop Edcoda’s e-learning platform and game.

LeagueAlly is league management software that was initially built for a local rec sports league, KC Crew. With the help of Digital Sandbox, the software will be rebuilt to scale and license to other rec leagues around the United States. The software automates the league process for managers and members, as well as connects participants to leagues as they travel from city to city.