Olathe startups just got an opportunity to house their operations at the Kansas State University Olathe campus. The new co-working space at 22201 W. Innovation Drive is a joint effort of Digital Sandbox KC and the City of Olathe. 

“We’re constantly working to break down the barriers that are impacting startups. For Olathe-based startups, co-working space was an issue,” said Jeff Shackelford, Digital Sandbox KC executive director. “Teaming up with K-State’s Olathe campus is the perfect solution.”

Identifying co-working space has been an ongoing effort of the City of Olathe and the Olathe Chamber of Commerce. Prior to this partnership between K-State Olathe and Digital Sandbox KC, there was no dedicated space available for the Olathe-based startups funded through the Sandbox program. Now the entrepreneurs in the program will receive space in addition to the program’s grants.

In 2016, four Olathe companies received Digital Sandbox KC funding: MovinHouz, PreScreend, PerfectCube and Windsor Trucking Solutions.

Digital Sandbox KC launched in February 2013 and has worked with more than 350 entrepreneurs and early-stage companies across the Kansas City area, assisting with proof of concept resources.  These companies have received more than $1.2 million in project funding grants, created more than 400 new jobs and received $33 million in follow-on funding.