Digital Sandbox KC Selects Two New Companies
Digital Sandbox KC wrapped up 2016 with two new companies for the Sandbox. Both startups are using innovative technology to get people “moving,” addressing the onerous task of hiring a moving company and using hip hop to encourage physical activity.
“It was another great year for Sandbox companies,” said Jeff Shackelford, director of Digital Sandbox KC. “We’ve now funded development projects for 79 companies and helped them raise almost $30 million in investment capital and create more than 370 new Kansas City area jobs. And the great news, we’re already off and running to fund more projects in 2017.”
Digital Sandbox KC is a proof-of-concept program that significantly and rapidly moves early-stage entrepreneurs from concept to commercialization. It is a unique collaboration among private, public, university/research and philanthropic organizations.
The companies selected for support include:
H3TV is an EduTech company powered by the arts, entertainment and social interaction. With a focus on education and health and wellness, their innovative online programming carries a mission to empower young audiences to make positive changes to their everyday lives.
The founders, Reggie “Regg” Gray and Rappin’ Roy Scott created H3, “Healthy Hip Hop,” a new genre of children’s music. H3TV is successfully using this culturally responsive music as a learning tool to help children improve academic outcomes, physical health and social emotional development.
“In order for our company to truly scale, we had to completely develop our technology,” said Roy Scott, H3TV CEO, “and the funding from Digital Sandbox KC has put us in a position to take H3TV to the next level! Receiving this funding will allow us to improve our mobile and online video platform, making it more seamless for educators and students to utilize our services.”
MovinHouz brings a new experience to the moving industry. Using the MovinHouz mobile app, customers can Click It…Pic It…Move!
MovinHouz’s MovinPic Technology allows movees (customers who are moving) to upload photos of each room and major items. These photos will be seen by multiple vetted movers who will then each submit a moving quote.
MovinPic enables clear identification of the items to be moved and allows the moving company to see the actual items involved, so they can provide the most accurate quote possible. All of this takes the stress out of picking a mover and ensures the safety and security of all belongings.
“Receiving this award from Digital Sandbox KC allows MovinHouz to enhance our offering, specifically our MovinPic technology, which positions us to provide greater value to the overall moving industry,” said Dominic Klobe, MovinHouz CEO.
“These two companies really show the diversity of ideas and creativeness of Kansas City entrepreneurs and show us that there are still many, many early-stage companies the Sandbox can help move forward,” continued Shackelford. “So, I tell everyone I see, bring your ideas to Sandbox and we’ll find a way to help.”
Launched in February 2013, Digital Sandbox KC has worked with more than 350 entrepreneurs and early-stage companies across the metro area.
Results for Digital Sandbox KC thus far have included:
- 79 proof-of-concept projects funded for area startups
- 34 new businesses created
- 371 jobs created
- $28.3 million in follow-on funding
Applications for Digital Sandbox KC are taken on a rolling basis and evaluation/selection cycles run eight weeks. Sandbox funding may cover expenses for project consultants, legal support, equipment and other market validation, prototyping and beta testing needs.
Currently, funding is available for Kansas City area companies in Missouri and Olathe, Kansas. The City of Independence recently launched a special project with Digital Sandbox KC aimed at its residents and GXP Investments partnered to create the Energy Sandbox.
Visit www.digitalsandboxkc.com to submit an idea and learn more about Sandbox programs.
About Digital Sandbox
Digital Sandbox KC is an unprecedented partnership among private companies, universities, entrepreneurial support organizations and government agencies across the Kansas City region designed to spur the creation of high growth companies. Digital Sandbox KC provides proof-of-concept resources including market validation, prototyping and beta testing support for development of digital technologies within new and existing businesses. More information and the Sandbox’s annual report can be found at www.digitalsandboxkc.com
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