Diverse Innovations Mark Three New Digital Sandbox KC Companies

Diverse Innovations Mark Three New Digital Sandbox KC Companies

KANSAS CITY, MO. (JUNE 23, 2016) — From autism routines to social events to customer surveys, the newest Digital Sandbox KC companies represent a diverse range of startup companies.  These new companies are just the latest examples of innovations in Kansas City that have been selected for proof-of-concept funding support. 

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:

Flokk is a social event platform that connects people to great event experiences and rewards, while also analyzing pertinent data and content to connect event organizers to sponsors. The platform offers proximity-based promotions, automatic checks, real-time analytics as the event is happening and a customer loyalty program.

“Receiving funding from the Sandbox will help us accelerate our company’s development and reach the next level of growth,” said Trey Rhedrick, founder and CEO. “This funding allows us to improve our app platform enabling us to provide more value to event organizers by offering more automation and analytics to drive event success and secure sponsorships.”

Routine Success allows parents of children with ADHD and autism spectrum disorders to easily build digital routines to assist their children throughout the day. Routines are delivered to the child through a discreet, watch-form-factor wearable that minimizes the need for expensive and conspicuous hardware.

“This funding from Digital Sandbox KC will provide Routine Success the means to take our phase 1 prototype to a launch-ready commercial product,” said Matt Gunter, founder.  “Based upon the great feedback we have received from the families here in KC who participated in our beta trial, I’m certain that our product will help a lot of kids with conditions like ADHD and autism stay more focused, more productive and happier throughout the school day.”

Tapyness is a one question, three button survey presented in a discrete location near an exit that provides consumers an easy way to report on their experience. The results give business owners actionable insights.

“Sandbox funding will be used for front-end application development, dashboard development and beta fine-tuning,” said Brent Flanders, co-founder.

Launched in February 2013, the Digital Sandbox KC has worked with more than 300 entrepreneurs and early-stage companies across the metro area.

Results for Digital Sandbox KC thus far have included:

•             73 proof-of-concept funded for area startups

•             27 new businesses created

•             247 jobs created

•             $22.7 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. Visit www.digitalsandboxkc.com for more information. Currently funding is available for Kansas City area companies in Missouri and Olathe, Kansas.

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.