Digital Sandbox KC—an initiative that helps early-stage companies find their way to commercialization and follow-on funding—has accepted four new businesses into the program.

E.D. Dental Services, Hacumen, LaborChart and My Super Dispatch will receive proof-of-concept support from Digital Sandbox, which is operated by the UMKC Innovation Center.

“It’s an honor being a part of Digital Sandbox. Being selected by DSB is a huge validation of the work we’ve done so far,” said Bek Abdullayev, founder of My Super Dispatch. “The funding will allow us to enter the market eight months early with a product our customers have been asking for.”

What Do These Companies Do?

E.D. Dental Services has created a service called The Dentist Is In, which will deliver “virtual dentist” telemedicine consultations. The clients will be in emergency rooms, wellness programs and other offices that don’t have a dentist available at all hours of the day. Digital Sandbox’s help will allow E.D. Dental Services to continue building its product, especially its security features.

Hacumen, meanwhile, is creating a software solution for cybersecurity consultants. Digital Sandbox’s help will let the startup continue work on its prototype. The software will allow security consultants to work together on IT audits, assemble thorough reports and increase their efficiency.

LaborChart is a software-as-a-service solution that helps construction companies create schedules for their workers, on multiple construction sites. The software also uses text messages to alert team members about changes in the schedule.

“Being selected for Sandbox funding is a huge step for LaborChart,” said Ben Schultz, LaborChart founder. “The funding will enable us to invest in product enhancements six to nine months sooner than otherwise possible, which will help us maintain customer and market momentum.”

My Super Dispatch is an online platform for the trucking industry. Companies can use My Super Dispatch to issue invoices and receive payments faster, and its system includes a smartphone app that can be installed on drivers’ phones, so that trucking companies can better track a delivery’s progress.

How Many Companies Has Digital Sandbox KC Helped?

Quite a few, when you consider the program is a little over 2 years old. In that time, Digital Sandbox has provided funding for 46 proof-of-concept projects. Twenty-seven Sandbox clients have gone on to win follow-on investment worth a total of $12 million. Almost 160 jobs have been created.

How Can My Startup Get Help Sandbox Help?

You can learn more about the program at www.digitalsandboxkc.com. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with no formal application deadline. Companies that are formally accepted into the program receive assistance with everything from beta testing to legal consultation to business advice.

And if you aren’t accepted, Digital Sandbox has been good about referring startups to other resource organizations in Kansas City that can offer useful advice.

“We continue to see 20 to 25 exciting early-stage companies over our eight-week evaluation cycles,” said Jeff Shackelford, director of the program.  “The quality and quantity of Kansas City’s early-stage companies continue to go up and up.”