Meet LaunchKC’s latest crew of social changemakers; cohort excited for connectivity
Kansas City, April 25, 2024:
Announcing its third group of social startups, LaunchKC’s Social Venture Studio showcased seven entrepreneurial ventures focused on creating a societal impact. These diverse startups are ecstatic about the prospects of connectivity and resources they can gain from such an influential venture studio program.
Transforming Music Education and Stoking Social Impact
One of these startups, Base Academy of Music (BAM), spearheaded by Clint Velazquez, employs a private music lesson format to foster relationships between students and mentors, emphasizing and celebrating joy, while cultivating an environment for deep learning. Velazquez expressed his enthusiasm for the venture studio model, noting that it provides both social impact and return on investment potential for non-traditional ventures.
The Cohort’s Spotlight
Executed through the combined efforts of the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC), and the Downtown Council (DTC), LaunchKC announced the companies that make up the third cohort of the Social Venture Studio on April 25, 2024. Jim Erickson, the Director of Strategic Initiatives for EDCKC, was quoted as saying, “Our privilege to support the vision and efforts of these pioneering entrepreneurs.”
The seven selected ventures, each unique in its focus on addressing non-traditional societal challenges, will participate in a four-month intensive program. The participants benefit from receiving professional support, grant awards, temporary office space, mentorship, and network connections to supplement their social venture business concepts.
Gearing Up the Social Changemakers
The members of the cohort, apart from Base Academy of Music, include enterprises focused on socio-environmental and racial issues, affordable housing, real estate development, special education, regenerative agriculture practices, AI-powered storytelling, and comprehensive support for residents. This eclectic group includes Civic Saint by Godfrey Riddle, CoBuild by Tate Williams, Connectivities by Mandy Shoemaker, Good Oak by Jacob Canyon Robinson, Integrity Capital Management by Terrell Jolley, and Storytailor by JQ Sirls and Herston Fails.
The four-month immersive experience will culminate in an event intended to be a platform for each participating startup to present their pitches to potential funders and supporters, paving the way for further expansion and impact.
Building Personal Relationships and Connectivity
Godfrey Riddle, from Civic Saint, noted the immediate connection with the rest of the cohort and was looking forward to the mutual benefits from the synergies created. He highlighted the potential for business collaborations and the development of personal relationships as crucial aspects of his participation in the cohort.
Similarly, Mandy Shoemaker from Connectivities saw the chance of creating something novel from the ground up, all while leveraging the network afforded by the cohort. “I already feel like there’s so much energy here,” she added.
The Social Venture Studio, now into its third year, has graduated fourteen companies so far from its previous cohorts and boasts an Excellence in Economic Development Award for work in promoting economic equity and inclusion in 2022. This laudable venture has received funding from The Sunderland Foundation, facilitating its drive towards supporting and bringing to life socially beneficial startups in Kansas City.
