Funding Stories
UMKC-led effort wins potential $160M grant: Feds back KC in race to control tech’s most critical materials
A just-announced award from the National Science Foundation is expected to help Kansas City develop the regional ecosystem needed to boost U.S. production of the metals and critical materials manufacturers require for batteries, aircraft engine parts, semiconductors, medical devices, and other advanced tech.
Just funded: 8 tech products get Digital Sandbox KC boost to strengthen KC’s innovation economy
Project funding and extended resources are expected to help more than a half-dozen emerging startups — including six in the digital health space — whose innovative technology concepts are forging the future of entrepreneurship in Kansas City, said Maria Meyers.
Patterson Fellows launches as an extension of its founder’s entrepreneurial foundation
A new fellowship for selected founders is designed to identify, support, and accelerate high-impact entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions to challenges faced in rural communities — backed by a $300,000 investment in each entrepreneur over three years by the Patterson Family Foundation.
Library’s small biz pitch competition returning with Kauffman backing, cash prizes
The pitch event is now accepting applications for another “Shark Tank-style” gathering. Founder Zoe Mays said the previous competition’s $5,000 grand prize was a game changer for Scream Queens, her vegan ice cream business.
KC-built startup brokers $18M funding round as benefitbay pushes market trends to the norm
A just-announced $18 million Series A round for benefitbay is more than just investor or market validation, said Brandy Thompson; it’s a signal that the solution she built in Kansas City is no longer part of a niche conversation with consultants and employers — too often requiring lengthy explanations about why the model matters.
