High-profile Digital Sandbox KC funding program gets new leader: a veteran Austin tech founder

Kansas City already has all the ingredients a startup needs to grow, said Jeff Zhao, expressing excitement about combining his expertise in technology commercialization with existing local resources.

“There’s lots of upside potential here in all aspects,” added Zhao, who was announced Wednesday as the new assistant director at Technology Venture Studio within the UMKC Innovation Center. “I’m looking forward to continuing to make that momentum even stronger.”

In his role, Zhao will connect technology-driven entrepreneurs to early-stage development resources needed including business development support, networks and capital. He’ll specifically lead the highly successful Digital Sandbox KC program which supports young companies in turning technology concepts into early products.

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An entrepreneur who has led SaaS companies, Zhao relocated from Austin, Texas, where he founded Redtree Systems, an all-in-one inventory management system, and launched styrochrome, a creative consultancy that independently funds and executes projects.

‘This is my fifteenth year working in the startup space,” said Zhao. “Since 2011, I have seen through my businesses the assistance needed for technology entrepreneurs and what it means to support startups to create economic change in other markets.”

In addition to leading Digital Sandbox KC, Zhao is expected to connect entrepreneurs and investors across the region through KCInvestED and invite the community together through regional networking events including roundtables; and through Sound Bytes sessions that explore topics surrounding startups, entrepreneurship and technology in Kansas City.

“We are thrilled to have Jeff join the team and excited to bring his experience to Kansas City,” said Maria Meyers, executive director of the UMKC Innovation Center.