LaunchKC began accepting applications on March 1 for a $500,000 grant pool that features a $100,000 grand prize grant. LaunchKC is a global grants competition for tech entrepreneurs. This is its third year of awarding the annual grants.
In the past, LaunchKC awarded $1 million to 20 entrepreneurs, as $50,000 grants. Winners came from six states and three nations. Award winners for the 2017 competition will be announced in September. This year’s competition will include a $100,000 grand prize grant along with eight $50,000 grant winners.
Rachel Merlo, chair of the LaunchKC steering committee and Google Community Impact Manager – Kansas City, said the change in award amounts is designed to attract more national interest.
“We believe the $100,000 grand prize will pique interest and applications from top tech entrepreneurs throughout the nation,” said Merlo. “After all, we are searching locally and nationally to identify the best, brightest and more innovative entrepreneurs who have the talent and drive to create and grow new businesses in Kansas City. The grand prize is designed to elevate our efforts to grab their attention.”
Winners also receive free office space for one year, industry-specific mentor teams and professional services for their businesses.
Applications will remain open until 11:59 p.m. July 7.
Since its inception, LaunchKC has made an impact locally on entrepreneurial culture.
“LaunchKC serves as a civic engine in the Kansas City tech scene,” said Merlo. “We contribute to a more robust startup culture and infrastructure in Kansas City, where investors, inventors and entrepreneurs collaborate within a livable, walked and transit-connected urban ecosystem. Kansas City can be proud of the growth of LaunchKC grant recipients.”
LaunchKC selected its first class of 10 entrepreneurs during the Techweek Kansas City conference in September 2015. Grant recipients included Blooom, Health ID, Integrated Roadways, KC Drone Company, Nodal Security and VideoFizz.
In a one-year period from September 30, 2015 through September 30, 2016, the first group of grant recipients collectively created 38 full-time jobs with an average salary of $63,254. They raised a cumulative amount of $6,446,000 in follow-on funding.
The second cohort of 10 startups, selected at Techweek Kansas City in September 2016, included Big Bang. BLITAB, Consult US, FEWDM, Forest Devices, Labor Chart, Mobility Designed, Mycroft, Perfect Cube and Super Dispatch.
“LaunchKC is passionate about attracting tech entrepreneurs to Downtown Kansas City, and that sincerity is reflected in our leadership, our program and the energy that fuels our marketing and social media outreach,” said Merlo. “There are only about a dozen comparable competitions in the country, including the Arch Grants program in St. Louis.”
