New ventures always come with their fair share of risk, so it always helps to get an early boost. SparkLabKC, an accelerator for early-stage tech startups, got its start less than a year ago, but already has some momentum to take into its second class.
Managing director Kevin Fryer told Silicon Prairie News that the first class exceeded expectations and continues to build upon what they learned. Knoda recently announced its seed round, and he said Briefcase, FormZapper and FanAddict combined have secured more than $1.8 million in seed funding—one other is in the process of finalizing a round.
“Any time we can get four or five to get a seed round within 60 days of completing the program, that’s huge,” Fryer said. “Now we’re looking for the next batch of Kansas City’s 10 best.”
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Funding or not, others in the program have kept momentum of their own. Innovative Health Media has almost reached $1 million in revenue after nine months, VolunteerMark and Briefcase have been accepted into the Archer Foundation‘s Get Started program and FolioMatch has joined the Think Big Accelerator.
Fryer said it’s healthy for startups to continue learning and iterating at other accelerators or programs. It’s a trend he said has taken hold in Kansas City.
“We talk about which companies are right,” Fryer (right) said. “That goes on all around Kansas City. I think everyone right now is being transparent, trying to work to make KC the most entrepreneurial city. And it’s working.”
For entrepreneurs and startups looking to be a part of SparkLabKC, time is running out—applications are open until midnight December 1 on the SparkLabKC site.
Credits: Kevin Fryer photo from LinkedIn.