GRANDVIEW, Mo., September 8, 2020 - Startland, a nonprofit striving to grow innovation in the greater Kansas City metro, released its 2020 list of Top VC-Backed Companies today – and Spear was featured in the prestigious list for the second year in a row. Spear has nearly doubled its number of employees compared to last year’s report and has more than doubled its available funding. This momentum is projected to continue despite the ongoing global economic strain – with a number of major projects to be completed through the end of the year and next year. This is the second report within recent weeks where Spear was recognized for its continued growth. The company has risen from a small staff of 12 when it began in 2013 to today’s international team of 82 professionals.

Spear’s Jeff Kostos had this to say: “We are incredibly excited to see Spear making another appearance in Startland’s report. Spear has been growing rapidly since day one – and to see the massive uptick in our development over the last few years has truly been an exhilarating experience.” As Spear continues to partner with companies to provide safe and reliable energy for a number of marine and defense applications, the lithium-ion battery experts have taken numerous preventative measures – both physically and financially – to ensure their continued safety and development during the COVID crisis. Mr. Kostos explained that “[t]hough the current global health crisis has put a strain on all commerce, we have been fortunate not only in our ability to safely and efficiently provide essential services during this time, but also to continue growing our company. Spear has always prided itself on our safety and adaptability to any situation, and I am proud that we can demonstrate that as a company and not just through our batteries.”

Startland

A 501(c)(3) organization that runs a family of programs — including Startland News, MECA Challenge, Innovation Exchange, and Back2KC — creating moments of impact and activating a culture of innovation in Kansas City. Founded on the core values of authenticity, community, and impact, Startland believes that the entrepreneurial spirit not only drives economic growth but also enhances government effectiveness, the quality of education, and citizen engagement.

About Spear Power Systems

Founded in 2014 by experienced energy storage entrepreneurs Jeff Kostos, President & CEO, and Dr. Joon Kim, CTO, Spear designs and manufactures safe, high performance energy storage systems (ESS) for clients with some of the world’s most demanding industrial and defense applications. Spear takes a chemistry independent approach towards integrating its in-house designed, scalable electronics, software, and mechanical systems with the most application-appropriate chemistry in order to maximize the value for its clients. For more information, visit spearpowersystems.com.