When LaunchKC became a sponsor for NBKC Bank’s new fintech accelerator, one of its goals was to spur the accelerator’s startups to build a business in Kansas City. Now, that goal has come to fruition.
Five of the first six startups to graduate from the program announced that they’re relocating their headquarters or at least a portion of their business to Kansas City, said Jim Malle, business development officer with the Economic Development Corp. of Kansas City.
Startups retaining a presence in Kansas City are:
- Tulsa-based Destiny Wealth, a mobile app that evaluates personal finances and creates a four-step plan for achieving financial security by retirement.
- Australia-based SavR, a startup that helps boost personal savings by rounding up debit card transactions.
- Washington-based Onward Financial Inc., a nonprofit employer benefit program that provides education on saving, responsible borrowing and financial education to employees.
- San Francisco-based Track Technologies Inc., which uses machine learning to estimate and remit quarterly tax estimates to the IRS for self-employed individuals.
- Philadelphia-based NuMoola, a kid-focused platform designed to help parents teach their children sound financial habits.
The company that didn’t maintain a presence in the area is Chicago-based Digs Inc., which helps first-time homebuyers and renters save for a down payment, while providing educational content along the way.
The success of the Fountain City Fintech accelerator also spurred LaunchKC to renew its sponsorship for next year, which includes providing software for the open-call process, narrowing the pack of applicants to the finalists and assisting with programming. The program also fits with LaunchKC’s goal to become more industry-focused.
“As we evolve as a city, we need these star companies, and we need more jobs,” Malle said.
NBKC launched its accelerator earlier this year as an avenue to help fintech companies grow and also find technology to enhance its customer experience and business.
