Digital Sandbox will end 2017 by granting three companies the gifts of funding and mentorship.
Digital Sandbox KC, launched in 2013, is a proof-of-concept program that moves early-stage entrepreneurs from concept to commercialization. The three companies chosen are “revolutionizing industries with innovative technologies,” a release said.
These are the companies selected:
- Hungry? is a mobile app with an algorithm that aims to simplify the decision of what and where to eat, and locate the fastest and cheapest dining options.
- MusicSpoke is a global marketplace that allows musicians and educators to purchase sheet music directly from composers.
- TradeLanes automates trade management for U.S. exporters using an online platform to lower costs and remove days from the supply chain.
READ MORE: MusicSpoke: A Louder Voice for Sheet Music Composers
“We know that the more connected early-stage entrepreneurs are – to each other and to the resources – the higher their probability of success,” said Jeff Shackelford, director of Digital Sandbox KC. “The Sandbox is helping startups in KC make those connections. We’ve now funded 96 projects and worked with more than 500 entrepreneurs in the metro.”
About the program
Digital Sandbox KC reviews applications on a rolling basis and evaluation/selection cycles run eight weeks. Funding may cover expenses for project consultants, legal support, equipment and other market validation, prototyping and beta testing needs.
Since its inception, Digital Sandbox KC has garnered these results, as of August 2017:
- $1.8 million in project funding for 90 early-stage startups
- 46 new businesses created
- More than 536 new jobs created with more than $14 million in payroll
- $43.3 million in follow-on funding
The program has expanded through partnerships with the cities of Olathe, Independence and St. Joseph. In 2016, Digital Sandbox KC partnered with GXP Investments to launch the Energy Sandbox, which provides project funding to Kansas and Missouri entrepreneurs with energy-related concepts. Visit www.digitalsandboxkc.com to submit an idea and learn more about Sandbox programs.
