From nutrition to logistics, local entrepreneurs continue innovating solutions that could result in Kansas City’s next unicorn, said Karen Fenaroli. Eight such potentially game-changing tech startups are expected to showcase their ideas next month, she announced Tuesday.
The seventh annual Pure Pitch Rally is set to return Oct. 17 at the Burns & McDonnell Global Headquarters Auditorium, 9300 Ward Parkway. Competitors will have just a few minutes to convey their startup’s concept to “land sharks” — a nod to the hit TV show “Shark Tank” and Kansas City’s landlocked geography — who will donate $1,000 to the pitcher of their choice.
Up to $1 million in cash and resources will be awarded, said Karen Fenaroli, founder of the Pure Pitch Rally.
Click here to learn more about the invite-only Pure Pitch Rally.
“As we’ve grown Pure Pitch Rally, we’re proud to witness the corporate and investor community filling a critical needs gap, rising up to support, finance and build equity for our startups,” she added. “This one of-a-kind, independently sourced event is proof that the Rally’s rich seven-year history of funding our region’s ecosystem has put Kansas City on the national stage, ultimately giving eight new entrepreneurs more equity and opportunity.”
Pure Pitch Rally highlights innovators from across all industries who are creating technology solutions to enhance our communities and improve quality of life.
The startups and founders selected to pitch Oct. 17 include:
- AskSAMIE, Brandy Archie — AskSAMIE matches caregivers and patients with the adaptive equipment needed after significant health events or medical procedures.
- CodeAlgo Academy, Triumfia Houmbie Fulks — CodeAlgo Academy is a gaming platform that teaches elementary and middle school students how to code.
- Health Partners MD, Courtney Younglove — Health Partners MD helps employers fight obesity in the workforce with the goal of decreasing medical costs.
- Hermes LST, Rick Macartney — Hermes harnesses technology to smooth the process of vehicle titling and registration, allowing dealers to recognize revenue more quickly.
- Marma, Meredith McAllister — Marma is an app that provides nutritional guidance, fetal tracking and telehealth support during fertility, pregnancy and postpartum.
- Routine Success, Matt Gunter — Routine Success is a technology aid for neurodiverse adolescents and adults.
- Spyder Inc., Nedra Barr — Spyder helps insurance agents and financial service providers achieve effortless cyber and document storage compliance.
- YAT LLC, Robert Goss — YAT leverages technology to help logistics brokers scale.
Click here to check out winners from the 2021 Pure Pitch Rally.
Pure Pitch Rally 2021 cohort
The startups’ selection to the 2022 Pure Pitch Rally opens the door to opportunities before, during and after the event, Fenaroli said. In addition to sharing their ideas and networking with local executives, community leaders and investors, founders also are invited to participate in five exclusive bootcamps that aim to help them build a firm foundation for their business.
New this year, the startups will also benefit from broader access to the investor community through the event’s livestream. Access details will be available on the Pure Pitch Rally website and on its social media channels closer to the event date.
“Our dedicated sponsor group is thrilled to offer a livestream of this year’s event to increase the Rally’s exposure to those outside our city, and to give our founders the additional exposure,” Fenaroli said. “There’s no question lucky number seven is shaping up to be our best yet.”
Pure Pitch Rally is an effort supported by local businesses to enhance the startup ecosystem. Presenting sponsors include Burns & McDonnell, Circle Sideways, Fenaroli & Associates, Forvis, nbkc Bank, Park University and Polsinelli. Supporting sponsors are Morningstar Communications, Plexpod and Viagio Technologies.
