Founded in 2015 by EDCKC and Downtown Council, LaunchKC has seen tremendous growth and success connecting early-stage startups with capital, technical assistance, office space, and more.
We believe these startups have the potential to be the next major employers and economic engines of KC.
This month the LaunchKC Liftoff event drew 300+ attendees (one of the largest entrepreneurial events in the city) to J. Rieger Distillery for networking and the reveal of the 2024 grant winners.
After receiving over 100 applications, narrowing the pool to 13, and three rounds of in-person interviews, these are the 2024 LaunchKC grant winners:
- CodeAlgo Academy (Triumfia Houmbie Fulks) — A 3D Computer Science gaming platform that teaches K-8 students how to code, making learning fun and tailored.
- Foresight (Jannae Gammage) — A tech platform featuring an AI-powered lending assistant specially trained to streamline administrative work across the lending cycle, including evaluation, eligibility and document verification, macro and micro economic data and more.
- Heft IQ (Learie Hercules) — An AI-driven supply chain advanced analytics platform.
- Lotus TMS (Holly Andra Small, Neelima Parasker) — A cloud-based Transportation Management Software created for draymen by draymen. With customizable tables, tags, permissions, and users, and an easy, flexible interface anyone can learn to use, Lotus TMS streamlines and transforms trucking operations.
- Raven Space Systems (Blake Herren, Ryan Cowdrey) — Creating the first entirely 3D printed reentry capsules for affordable and accessible return of cargo from space.
- SaRA Health (Steven Coen) — A “stress-free” and “simple” platform turns Practice leaders and owners into heroes for their providers and patients while improving the viability of their businesses.
