About this programme
LaunchKC is a nonprofit grants competition founded in 2014, run jointly by the Downtown Council (DTC) and the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC), and supported by the City of Kansas City, Missouri. Each year it runs a nationwide search for innovative, diverse, early-stage tech startups willing to scale their businesses in Kansas City.
The competition invests more than $500,000 a year in pre-seed and seed-stage companies. Since its first competition in 2015, LaunchKC has supported over 137 portfolio companies, which together have attracted more than $652 million in follow-on capital and helped create 1,640 jobs. More than two-thirds of past LaunchKC participants have been women- and/or minority-led.
LaunchKC does not take equity in the companies it funds.
How it works
Winners receive a $60,000 grant, plus a range of support services: local mentors, networking opportunities, temporary office space support, and more.
Applications go through three rounds of judging by a panel of LaunchKC staff, industry experts, entrepreneurs, past grant recipients and business leaders. In the final round, roughly 15 applicants are invited to in-person interviews.
Winners are announced at the LaunchKC Liftoff event, which kicks off Global Entrepreneurship Week.
Who can apply
Applicants must be innovative, early-stage tech startups with high-growth potential that prioritize equitable business practices.
The company must already be located in Kansas City, Missouri, or willing to relocate there.
How to apply
- Apply during the annual application window (in the most recent cycle covered here, applications ran August 28 through September 24).
- Go through three rounds of judging.
- If you reach the final round, attend an in-person interview.
- Winners are announced at the LaunchKC Liftoff event in November.
Frequently asked
Does LaunchKC take equity for the $60,000?
No. LaunchKC does not take equity in the companies it supports.
Do I have to already be based in Kansas City?
No, but you must be located in Kansas City, Missouri, or willing to relocate there.
How many companies get funded each year?
Sources vary slightly: the 2026-cohort announcement described up to eight startups receiving $60,000 grants, while the same announcement's judging-round description said up to seven would be selected. Check the current cycle's materials at LaunchKC.org for the exact number for that year.
What support do winners get beyond the cash?
Access to local mentors, networking opportunities, support with temporary office space, and other support services.
How competitive is it?
Applications go through three rounds of judging, narrowing down to roughly 15 finalists who get in-person interviews before winners are chosen.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.