3 Startups Join Digital Sandbox KC for Mentoring, Project Funding

Bruce Ianni of Chemniscient, Megan Dalton of Matresence and Jared Welch of AskAvery

3 Startups Join Digital Sandbox KC for Mentoring, Project Funding

Digital Sandbox KC announced three new startups joining its program that will receive crucial support, mentorship and up to $20,000 in project funding to accelerate their innovative projects.   

“We are proud to welcome these cutting-edge startups into the Sandbox, connecting them to the help and resources needed to accelerate their groundbreaking projects,” says Jill Meyer, senior director of Technology Venture Studio, which houses Digital Sandbox KC. “Digital Sandbox KC looks to support founders and scalable technologies who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Alongside our partnership with Digital Health KC, we look forward to seeing these three startups flourish and make a positive difference in Kansas City and beyond.” 

In addition to receiving up to $20,000 in early-stage project funding, startups in the program gain access to the Technology Venture Studio community and technical project support. 

To submit your idea and pitch to the Sandbox, apply for the next quarter at techventurestudiokc.com/digital-sandbox.  

Meet the three new companies joining the Sandbox. 

AskAvery (Kansas City, Missouri) 

AskAvery is improving therapy by leveraging software and artificial intelligence to improve the patient experience. 

“Digital Sandbox KC gives us a huge advantage by improving our time to market and allowing us to quickly validate product market fit and get feedback from our customers,” says Jared Welch, co-founder and CEO. 

Chemniscient (Mission Hills, Kansas) 

Chemniscient (pronounced kemʹniSH(Ə)nt) is currently operating confidentially and is not disclosing any product information to the public at this time. 

“I have benefited from the Kansas City region’s emphasis on supporting entrepreneurship since the early 2000s, when I founded my first company, Innovadex, with the help of many local angel investors,” says founder and CEO Bruce Ianni. “Following that successful exit, I have embarked on creating additional companies that leverage that initial experience—including my current venture, Chemniscient.” 

The Matrescence (Prairie Village, Kansas) 

The Matrescence is revolutionizing postpartum care with a comprehensive mobile app tailored to prioritize maternal mental health. Services include access to a supportive community for peer connection, curated educational resources to inform and empower and mindfulness activities that reduce stress. 

“This funding from Digital Sandbox KC is a pivotal step in enhancing our business’s mission to integrate cutting-edge technology with invaluable personal insights,” says Megan Dalton, co-founder and COO. “We aim to significantly advance our app’s capabilities in accurately assessing risks for mood and anxiety disorders.” 

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