Big win for 2022 Pure Pitch Rally alum BestyBnB: the Kansas City startup just received the 2025 NAVC Gives Marquee Award and a $25,000 grant for its mission to keep pets and their people together during times of crisis. BestyBnB’s platform helps social service agencies and shelters find temporary pet care for individuals facing [...]
Noonan, the patent-pending digital caddie platform developed by the team behind Albatross Golf, is aiming well under par after hitting the stage at the 2023 Pure Pitch Rally. Originally created to help retain golfers at the team’s indoor golf franchise, GolfTRK, the platform quickly outgrew its original purpose. Founders Matt Williams, Alex Reed, Sam [...]
Ulom App, a Kansas City-based startup led by entrepreneur Zik Nwanganga, has been selected to join the latest cohort of Digital Sandbox KC, a program that provides early-stage funding and strategic support to high-potential startups in the region. Founded with a mission to make transitions smoother for refugees, international students and new migrants, Ulom [...]
UMKC hosted its Regnier Venture Creation Challenge recently, a pitch competition that allowed college students and full-time entrepreneurs to present their startups and compete for cash prizes. Dr. Shelley Cooper, a serial entrepreneur and Pure Pitch Rally alumna, won first place in the non-student James [...]
Marma, a women-led health tech startup in Kansas City, was one of 10 companies selected by Springboard Enterprises to join its Inaugural 2024 Women’s Health Innovation Program Cohort. Ultimately, this program aims to normalize women’s health as a mainstream industry. With a focus on providing personalized nutritional guidance to address the critical [...]
Digital Sandbox KC announced nine new local startups will join their program to kick off 2024. As members of the cohort, these entrepreneurs will receive foundational support, mentorship and up to $20,000 in project funding. Selected companies range in industry from aerospace 3D printing to healthcare streamlined solutions. Of the nine startups, two [...]
A group of local Kansas City businesses and institutions received a federal grant of $2 million, just three weeks after the city earned the title of U.S. Tech Hub. The Build to Scale grant was generously matched by an award from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The grant was awarded to the [...]
Clara Biotech, a 2019 Pure Pitch Rally alumnus, recently joined forces with InnovaPrep, a local leader in biotech. According to Jim West, co-founder of Clara Biotech, the deal came to fruition as their team was considering a potential merger or acquisition with another company, but this opportunity represented a better fit for the [...]
VideoFizz, a first-year alumna, was recently recognized for launching its consumer-facing brand. The start-up previously signed a deal with Hallmark Cards Inc. to utilize their technology to create a new video greeting card. The partnership went well; however, it was time for VideoFizz to be recognized as their own brand. VideoFizz offers its [...]
Vetelligence, a 2021 Pure Pitch Rally alumnus, was recently selected for a top regional accelerator. The owner of the start-up, Zachary Oshinbanjo, served in the U.S. Army as an indirect infantryman and specialist for four years. His vision for Vetelligence is to help guide veterans or military service members into tech careers. Learn [...]