LaunchCode, which matches tech workers with jobs, internships, opens KC office

LaunchCode, which matches prospective software developers and other technology workers with jobs and internships, has opened a Kansas City hiring office inside the Sprint Accelerator in the Crossroads Arts District.

LaunchCode executive director Brendan Lind, in the announcement of the opening, said the office was focused on building relationships with area companies hiring tech workers and already was working with UMB Financial, Blooom, EyeVerify and Venture360.

Other companies looking to partner with LaunchCode to hire tech talent should email Anna Welchman, the office’s company relations manager, at anna@launchcode.org.

LaunchCode, a nonprofit organization, in the spring also will begin offering computer education and skills training. It was started by Jim McKelvey, who also helped found Square.

“People need pathways to good jobs, and companies need talented employees,” Lind said. “LaunchCode can address both of these problems while supporting Kansas City businesses and strengthening the community.

“We’ve already seen tremendous interest from local companies that are looking to fill tech jobs. Kansas City’s investment in building a tech ecosystem makes it a natural fit for LaunchCode.”

LaunchCode, based in St. Louis, announced its Kansas City office plan last year. It already has hiring hubs in St. Louis and south Florida and will open another soon in Providence, R.I.

LaunchCode has received money from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the Hall Family Foundation, JPMorgan Chase & Co., the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Accenture and the Sprint Accelerator, in addition to a $250,000 grant from the Missouri Technology Corp.

This story was originally published January 29, 2016 at 12:40 PM with the headline "LaunchCode, which matches tech workers with jobs, internships, opens KC office."