Digital Sandbox KC

Joe Krywicki, Jerry Workman and Parker Graham, Destiny; Startland News' Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2020

Already managing $25M in user debt, KC fintech startup Destiny banks on New York accelerator

Newly launched accelerator programming could help Kansas City-based Destiny Wealth secure customers and funding as the startup makes key pivots.  “This accelerator gives us a brand new network,” said Parker Graham, Destiny co-founder and CEO.  Part of the newly launched fintech track of the Nex Cubed Accelerator, Graham and Destiny will spend 16 weeks immersed…

Jeff Shackelford, Enterprise Center in Johnson County

Jeff Shackleford named ECJC’s top exec, aims to keep nonprofit’s impact on entrepreneurs in the billions 

A transition to new leadership at the Enterprise Center in Johnson County comes with a pledge to build upon the work of the nearly 25-year-old nonprofit, said Jeff Shackelford. “The ECJC will continue to play a vital role in being a focal point for local companies and entrepreneurs looking to raise capital to start and…

Richard Neal, Brendan Reilly and Dan Scott, Lelex Prime

Two startup support programs helped Lelex Prime score Fountain Innovation Fund’s first investment

An interconnected, resource-rich startup ecosystem is paying off for Lelex Prime — contributing to the fast-growing artificial intelligence company’s development and boosting its chances to win the Fountain Innovation Fund’s first cash infusion, said Brendan Reilly. “The Digital Sandbox helped us land this investment,” said Reilly, co-founder and principal at Lelex Prime, which joined the…

Digital Sandbox KC cohort; Mario Pabaroue, Len Frye and Brandon Dunlap, FilmDove Inc.; A.J. Mellott, Ronawk LLC; and Sunti Wathanacharoen, Pulmonaer Analytics LLC

Digital Sandbox KC selects diverse health, AI and filmmaking startups for latest funding

The latest trio of Digital Sandbox KC companies pushes the proof-of-concept program deeper into Johnson County with a new Overland Park partnership. “This group showcases the wide spectrum of businesses assisted by the Sandbox, from a data platform for creative filmmakers and studios, to improved patient care in asthma, to biologics in regenerative medicine,” said…

Jill Meyer, UMKC Innovation Center

ScaleUP! KC leader Jill Meyer tapped to run Digital Sandbox KC, Whiteboard2Boardroom, KCInvestED initiatives

A newly created role at the UMKC Innovation Center will see leadership for its early-venture and tech initiatives consolidated under the guidance of Jill Meyer. “New businesses, jobs — and good jobs — are key indicators of a strong economy,” said Meyer, the center’s new senior director of technology ventures. “We need to continue to…