Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, MO

Congratulations to the new 2025 cohort of our LaunchKC program, in partnership with Downtown Council of Kansas City. With the investment and support of the program, these promising companies are ready to grow right here in KCMO. Thanks to everyone who attended and made this celebration our biggest Liftoff event ever!

*LaunchKC Startup Spotlight* CodeAlgo Academy is an educational gaming platform that equips 9-14-year-olds with coding skills, setting them on a path toward a potential 6 figure salary after high school. It was founded by Triumfia Houmbie Fulks and Sedric Hibler. "The workshops at LaunchKC have been a highlight of our journey. Thanks to Josh, Becca, Tommy, and Jim, our team has unlocked new levels of productivity using the working genius framework," Triumfia said.

It's almost time! Join us tomorrow night at the LaunchKC Liftoff, where we'll reveal our 2025 LaunchKC grant recipients! Enjoy food and cocktails provided by J. Rieger Distillery and get the opportunity to connect with our new cohort as well as our vibrant entrepreneurial community. Reserve your spot now: https://lnkd.in/gjVPtjeF?

Thank you, Startland News, for the great article on LaunchKC entrepreneur Jannae Gammage, owner of Cyphr (Formerly Foresight), which received a $50,000 grant from LaunchKC. “It’s important to note that you could just throw money at anything, right? And you could be throwing that money into a dumpster fire,” she said. “But LaunchKC gets intimately involved with you — not in an ‘I want oversight on everything you’re doing’ way, but ‘Give me all your gaps so I can help you.’” Gammage was asked to be a LaunchKC judge this year, she said, and the competition used the Cyphr platform to manage the process. “I think that just speaks to how supportive they are,” Gammage said... “When you say, ‘You know what? We really believe in this company. We’re also going to use Cyphr and spread the word,’ that is a huge sign off.”

?? Strengthening Community Connections ?? At EDCKC, we’re dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships with Kansas City’s council members and their constituents. Last week, we had the privilege of attending our first community meeting with the 6th District, where we shared updates on key economic development initiatives that are driving growth and creating opportunities across KCMO. We’re excited to continue engaging with the community and showcasing how economic development enhances the quality of life for all Kansas Citians. Stay tuned as we attend more district events and share updates on our progress!

Join us next week on November 19th for the LaunchKC Liftoff event as we unveil the winners of the LaunchKC grants competition. Each year LaunchKC awards over a half million dollars to innovative startups who headquarter their company in Kansas City. Come meet the next generation of innovators, and enjoy some complimentary food and cocktails in the process. Register at: https://lnkd.in/gjVPtjeF?

*LaunchKC Startup Spotlight* SaRA Health's Patient Support Copilot helps improve the lives of patients recovering from an injury or pain by helping Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Pain Management practices deliver more care in between visits and generate more revenue in the process. ? SaRA was founded by Steven Coen. "We have benefitted greatly from the investment which allowed us to invest in bringing Generative AI into our platform and the mentorship/connections which connected us with leaders in tangential categories like Revenue Cycle to improve our results," Coen said. "Kansas City is THE place to build a Rehab technology company, and with the support of LaunchKC we have been blessed with a 5X year, with Q4 still remaining." ?

Last week, SomeraRoad broke ground on a $527 million redevelopment of Kansas City’s historic West Bottoms district. Supported by Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Planned Industrial Expansion Authority (PIEA) tax abatements, the project includes infrastructure upgrades like new roads and sidewalks to enhance accessibility and support the growing community. Plans feature 168,000 square feet of Class-A office space, over 1,200 residential units, 100,000 square feet of retail, 50 boutique hotel rooms, and a public green space called The Depot, envisioned as a hub for community events and gatherings. At the groundbreaking were David Macoubrie, Mario Vasquez, Quinton Lucas, Tracey Lewis, Heather A. Brown and David Leader.

*LaunchKC Startup Spotlight* Raven Space Systems is modernizing composite manufacturing with a breakthrough 3D printing innovation known as Microwave Assisted Deposition (MAD) 3D printing. ? Raven was founded by Blake Herren and Ryan Cowdrey. "My favorite part of the LaunchKC experience was the Innovation Lounge where we engaged with several potential stakeholders around KC," said Blake. "LaunchKC has provided us with impactful funding, a flexible space in the West Bottoms that we love, and a network that has helped us take our technology to the next level."

In this month's EDC Edit newsletter, we're (re)introducing our amazing team: edckc.com/edc-edit Learn more about President & CEO Tracey Lewis, Vice President of Business Development Steven Anthony, Vice President of Administration and Executive Director of the TIF Commission & IDA Heather A. Brown, Director of Strategic Initiatives Jim Erickson and Vice President of Land Development? Daniel Moye.