Soccer Player-Turned-Physicist Rolls Out Sports App Fannect (And Discovers Think Big!)

Photo via www.thepitch.com.

We’ve all seen them before.  The fans that camp out at their team’s parking lot 36 hours before the big game.  The fans that paint their entire faces--no, their entire bodies--the color of their favorite team.  The fans that could sit at a bar stool for hours and argue that they are the best fan on Earth.  And although they’re dedicated, passionate, knowledgeable and downright obsessed, there is no way to tell who the best fan is.  Until now.

Enter Fannect, a Kansas City-grown sports app that determines which teams have the best sports fans and where those fans rank within their team’s group of fans.  Founded by Hunter Browning and Will Coatney in 2012, Fannect combines social networking with competitive gaming that measures a team’s best fans and which team has the best group of fans. But Fannect isn’t just booming into a sports fan’s ideal social media network...it is also becoming a team researcher’s dream database.     

A Former Athlete’s Idea

Hunter Browning was an athlete not all that long ago.  After playing competitive soccer for a majority of his life, the 19-year old decided to put up the cleats and pursue a degree in physics.  Soccer went out the window and science became his number one focus.  But a few months into his life as a former athlete, Hunter experienced a pang of boredom--he no longer had the competitive drive he once had when playing soccer.

“I had a withdrawal from not competing,” he explains.  “I then realized that many people, not just former athletes, live vicariously through their favorite sports teams.  I wanted to do something with that and get that competitive feeling back in my system.  That’s when I started working on Fannect.” 

More Than a Fan-based App

The direct goal of Fannect is to eliminate the bar stool argument of “who is the best fan”.  Fannect literally quantifies a fan’s knowledge and dedication to a team using a series of games and tests.  But Fannect is not just a fan-based app.  The app is also a strategic tool for researchers who want to learn more about the audience of particular sports teams.

According to Hunter, there is a major gap in the databases of sports.  We know plenty about the “diehard” fans, but not nearly enough about casual sports fans.  How can we gain information about people who simply buy a baseball hat of their favorite team and watch the games from home?  How can we learn more about them, their habits, their demographics?

“People do not know how valuable the database we are creating can be,” explains Hunter.  “Researchers needs and want data on all ticket owners, fans, and casual watchers.  Fannect can help with that.” 

This Isn’t His First Rodeo...

As one of the youngest entrepreneurs operating out of Think Big Coworking (he’s just 19!), Hunter utilizes the KC coworking space as more than just an office.  He makes sure to connect with more established companies and entrepreneurs in the coworking space to gain advice, new ideas and mentorship. 

“At first, we were doing our own thing and running beta,” he explains.  “But then we needed help and guidance.  The mentorship from Tyler, Herb [of Think Big Partners] and the other companies at Think Big Coworking has been one of the best parts.  We’re the youngest company in the space and everyone is so helpful.  It’s really motivating to be surrounded by such great startups.”

But just because Hunter relies heavily on the advice of others doesn’t mean that this is his first rodeo.

As a matter of fact, Hunter has done quite a bit with his knowledge in physics.  As a student of the CAPS program in the Blue Valley School District, Hunter studied a car’s ability to run off of water by breaking hydrogen out of H2O.  After being given a research grant, Hunter began developing out his theory.  As a matter of fact, Fannect is just a side project for Hunter.  He refers to the hydrogen project as “his baby”.

In addition, Hunter is opening a rapid prototyping lab.  The goal of the lab is to prototype and produce new inventions quickly, no matter what stage of development they may be in.  Currently, Hunter is in the fundraising stage for this project. 

Are You Really a #1 Fan?

Ready to see if you’re really a #1 fan?  It’s time to download Fannect.  Fannect is currently in open beta right now.  Not all of the bells and whistles have been added quite yet, but from what Hunter and his team can tell, users of the beta version are enjoying the app.

“Forty-five percent of our active users come back to Fannect every single day,” says Hunter.  “People love it--especially the picture games--even though we are in rough beta right now.  The full app will be roll out a week or two into football season.  We can’t wait.”

What is a Zaarly Bazaar?

As many of you already know, Think Big Partners is hosting a Zaarly Bazaar during Entrepreneur Corner (First Fridays) on June 7, 2013.  Sure, it sounds interesting, but what is a Zaarly Bazaar exactly? 

First of all, let’s talk about Zaarly—one of the most well-known and successful startups from the Kansas City region.  Zaarly is an online marketplace that helps you buy and sell things with the people around you.  Zaarly pushes the notion of “buying local”.  The platform allows you to browse local listings, place orders, hold on to your favorites, and ultimately, discover what local products you love.

The explanation above makes it seem as if Zaarly is an online-only business.  Not so fast!  Thanks to Zaarly Bazaars, much like the one we are hosting on June 7, buyers can meet local Zaarly storefront owners live and in person.  Once a month, Zaarly throws a good old fashioned bazaar in its various cities, bringing locals the best of the best of food, services and handmade goods.  Zaarly also makes multiple appearances at flea markets and other local events nationwide (so keep your eye out!).

If you’re an avid Zaarly user (or are just interested in learning more about this successful KC startup) be sure to swing by Think Big Partners’ parking lot at 1800 Baltimore during First Fridays (June 7, 2013 from 5:30-8:30pm) to learn more, get involved and buy local.  See you there!

Is your startup interested in showcasing at a future Entrepreneur Corner? Contact us! 

Think Big Coworking Member Dwolla Raises $16.5 Million

Ben Milne, Founder of Dwolla.

It’s one thing for a startup company to successfully launch in the Midwest.  But it’s a whole different story when a Midwestern company gets $16.5 million in funding.  But Des Moines-based startup Dwolla was recently given that exact amount from Andreessen Horowitz, Village Ventures, Thrive Capital and Union Square Ventures. 

For those who haven’t heard of Dwolla, the startup is a payment network that allows anyone to send, request and accept money (many people think of PayPal when they hear this description).  But Dwolla is built on its own network that securely connects to your bank account and allows you to move money for just $.25 per transaction or free for transactions of $10 or less.

It wasn’t too long ago that Think Big sat down with founder Ben Milne to discuss where Dwolla was headed.  At the time (December 2011), Ben stated that Dwolla was still in its infancy even though it was moving between $30 and $50 million every month.   But he was right.  The company has grown at 15% month-over-month and reached a quarter-million account holders up from 80,000 in early 2012.  And the company has only seemed to grow more as time goes on.

At the time of the interview, Dwolla had a miraculous 700+ investors interested in funding it.  And now, it seems as if four of those investors, including Adreessen Horowitz, finally committed the dollars.  Dwolla scored $16.5 million in new funding in a Series C just last week.

So Dwolla will continue to expand.   It wasn’t long ago that two of Dwolla’s developers moved into Think Big Coworking in order to expand to the Kansas City market.  We are so proud of the KC team—Brandon Ratzlaff and Nick Christus—and wish all the best for the entire Dwolla team—from Des Moines to Kansas City to its new expansion in San Francisco.

Learn more about Dwolla at www.dwolla.com. 

Entrepreneurs Converge and Create in 7th Annual Kansas City Startup Weekend

This past weekend was the 7^th annual Kansas City Startup Weekend and what a whirlwind it was! For those unfamiliar with the event, it is one of many global Startup Weekend events aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and creating viable, ready-to-launch companies…all within a 48 hour timeframe! Here’s the basic framework:

-          Speakers, mentors and entrepreneurs converge in a shared space

-          The entrepreneurs pitch their ideas

-          The best ideas organically arise via popular consensus

-          Teams are formed around the ideas

-          The next two days are a mad frenzy to create the next big thing!

According the Startup Weekend site, the 11 teams created this year were:

• Gitalytics: Github Analytics
• Pluginy: Specializes in dynamic content optimization and helping non-technical and IT professionals make changes to website content as efficiently as possible.
• Antler Atlas: The first website that allows hunters to upload pictures of their big game trophies and tag them geographically, without giving up the location of their honey-hole!
• Aqualife: Pairs your water bottle to your iPhone to ensure you don't get dehydrated.
• Shopily: Simplifies the retail experience for consumers and provides rich insight into behavior for marketers.
• LittleHootz: The digital scrapbooking app that makes it easy to create, archive and share all the unexpected and hilarious things your kids do and say. 
• Mingle: A digital networking application that makes making the connections you need fast, easy and efficient.
• Open Gardens: Open Gardens connects growers and communities to nurture collaboration and  promote sustainable living.
• All Dogs: Dog breed matching web and mobile app.
• Code Your Own: Website to build your own customized code learning experience. 
• Vidspective: The First-Person Video Marketplace.

Of the 11 teams that participated, the overall winner was LittleHootz. The idea, created and pitched by team leader Lacey Ellis, struck a chord in its potential uses for parents, teachers and other scrapbooking enthusiasts.

Second place went to Aqualife (whose website was down at the time of writing), an app that monitors how much water you’re drinking by syncing with your water bottle. Third place went to Vidspective, an application which will monetize behind-the-scene access.

Code Your Own was awarded crowd favorite, it also striking a chord with its ability to empower novice and professional coders alike by providing a clean, easy-to-use platform that only utilizes what you need.

We celebrate the speed, drive and passion of these entrepreneurs. They are adding to the growing startup economy, and we look forward to seeing what they will do with their newfound notoriety.

Kansas City-based CaddyX Ships Golf Clubs to Your Next Course

If you’re anything like us, we could not be happier that spring is finally here (although in Kansas City that may not mean much since it can be 70 degrees one day and 40 the next). Nonetheless, we cannot wait to be outside—from watching Royals games at the K to sipping beers on a Plaza patio to hitting balls at the local golf course. 

But sometimes, golfing in Kansas City is a challenge.  After booking your tee-time and finally getting to the course, it may be 35 degrees and snowing.  Or raining.  Or hailing.  One solution to this problem is to book a tee-time somewhere warm with consistent good weather like Arizona or Las Vegas.

But then that raises a different array of issues and nuisances. In addition to booking a flight there is packing. Then you have to lug your precious clubs to the airport and check them at baggage claim and hope that they don’t arrive as metal pretzels (if they even arrive at your destination at all).

But thanks to local Kansas City startup CaddyX, your precious golf clubs will arrive at your destination on time without a scratch. Co-founded by KC’s Chris Hanway and Jason Gregory , CaddyX provides the touch-free transport of golf bags for America's elite country clubs allowing your golf pro or fanatic to experience “The Ultimate Lug-Free Xperience”.

CaddyX’s goal is to give your golf bag a safe way to travel and arrive on time and in the same condition as when you checked them. The service is quite simple and efficient. It works by utilizing connections between country club golf pros. To use their service, simply go to your local pro shop, leave your bag with your pro, tell them you’d like to CaddyX your bag as well as when and where you’ll be playing. After that, CaddyX takes care of the rest. You can rest assured knowing that your bag will arrive safely with their $5,000 peace-of-mind guarantee.

If you haven’t heard about CaddyX yet, it’s about time you did. The KC startup launched in 2010 and has been growing ever since, expanding to elite courses at country clubs all across America. Like many other Kansas City-based startups, CaddyX fills a market that has been neglected for quite some time. We at Think Big Partners can’t wait to see what’s in store for CaddyX and can’t wait to CaddyX our golf bags soon (Vegas, anyone?).  

Boys Grow: Growing Entrepreneurs in Kansas City

It’s true—entrepreneurship is growing in Kansas City every day.  But one organization is taking that statement literally. Boys Grow, a two-year agricultural entrepreneurship program, empowers inner-city boys to learn entrepreneurship through hands-on experience.

The boys involved in Boys Grow spend time on a farm planting crops, tending the land, building chicken coops, harvesting honey from bee boxes and other daily farm tasks. When they’re not working on the farm, they’re out selling what they make with the produce they grow – salsa, agave ketchup, and (coming soon!) barbecue sauce.

John Gordon, creator of the program, recently spoke with The Pitch about Boys Grow. Of the program, he says,

"I wanted to create something that kids really do. It's not fluff. It's not for show. They have to make decisions, and anything they learn, they'll have to apply directly. There is always stuff to be done on a farm. Life slows down, and you have to take a deep breath. There's responsibility and discipline and dedication. That's where this idea for a functional, working type of youth farm started.”

The program has struck a chord with the community, with a slew of restaurants and grocery stores signing up to carry Boys Grow products, and was recently chosen to receive a proclamation by the Missouri House of Representatives.

The unique blend of agriculture, mentoring and entrepreneurship provides a potent mixture for inner-city boys in need of guidance. The ability to form relationships with other budding entrepreneurs while simultaneously learning how to grow a business is extremely empowering for participants in the program. Boys Grow isn’t about hand-holding because the boys genuinely direct the majority of the program and decide how far to take it.

Entrepreneurship in Kansas City takes many forms, and the Boys Grow program is investing in the future of the KC community. Of the future, Gordon says, "In reality, we're trying to farm entrepreneurs as much as plants. We're trying to unleash a whole new crop on the city."

CandyCam Debuts SkyHook Robot at Open House

Tired of watching robots just walk around on the ground like humans? Come see one fly through the air! CandyCam, a member of the Think Big coworking space, will host an Open House on Wednesday, March 27, from 4-8pm at 1800 Baltimore in Kansas City, MO. Enjoy snacks and chatter as the engineering team gives demonstrations of their first product, the SkyHook! 

But what exactly is a SkyHook? The SkyHook is a suspended robotic camera platform. This platform is designed to achieve still shots that are prohibitively difficult and expensive with traditional positional camera equipment. When SkyHook launches, videographers everywhere will have an affordable tool enabling them to create gorgeous, dynamic shots that have been unobtainable until now.

Come enjoy conversation, munchies and CandyCam's flying robotic camera platform, the SkyHook. 

Register to attend here.  

Follow CandyCam for more info! @GoCandyCam

Think Big Accelerator Spotlight: Connor Sweeney of Weejay

Connor Sweeney, founder of Weejay.

A few weeks ago, Weejay, a startup company founded by Connor Sweeney, was accepted into the Think Big Accelerator program.  The startup, which originally was planned to be a mobile jukebox, has pivoted into a marketing platform with a music focus.  And now that the startup, and the entrepreneur behind it, has gone through a few weeks of the Think Big Accelerator program, things are starting to look bright for the Kansas City-based Weejay.

But it wasn't always that way.  After coming up with the idea, researching it and watching parts of his vision come to life, Connor decided to walk away from the Weejay project in June of 2012 when he found multiple competitors who were already years ahead of him in the space.

"As an entrepreneur, when you have an idea and then discover that someone else does the exact same thing already, it's a deflating moment," says Connor. "But then Blake [Miller] from Think Big gave me a call and encouraged me to move forward.  Think Big gave me the confidence to continue with Weejay.  They reminded me to think of Coke and Pepsi.  There's always room for two in any industry."

But after creating Weejay's design, crafting up a layout and starting the Think Big Accelerator class, Connor still didn't feel 100% about his idea and where it was headed.  So, within the accelerator program, he learned the power of the pivot.

"I had an ah-ha moment a few weeks into the accelerator," says Connor.  "I realized that instead of a mobile jukebox, Weejay could become a marketing platform with a music focus.  It's how other great apps like Pandora and Front Flip have become so successful.  I am now creating a unique music discovery platform that is even better than my original idea."

According to Connor, Weejay is currently in "baby-step mode".  The startup has set out to prove its new model and has begun testing for engagement from establishments around Kansas City (i.e. restaurants).  In addition, the startup is narrowing down much of its gaming components, design and MVP.  But there's no denying it--Connor is anxious to tie up all the loose ends and begin the funding phase.

"I am so grateful for the structure, guidance, education and confidence that the Think Big Accelerator program has given me," says Connor.  "Plus, this is a lot of fun!  I am very excited to move forward through the next 30, 60, 90 days."

Read another Accelerator Spotlight blog post: Dwayne Brock of Kahootz

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

Zaarly Rolls Out New Storefront Platform for Kansas City Entrepreneurs

Where can you find the best pumpkin pie in Kansas City and get it delivered to your doorstep at any hour of the day?

Where can you buy custom furniture--from bed frames to nightstands--for under $500?

Where can you find a repair man who comes to YOUR driveway?

Believe it or not, you don't have to open the Yellow Pages, beg for a referral from a friend or research online for hours on end to find any of these Kansas City services.

All of them--and many, many more--can be found in one spot.  On Zaarly's new storefront platform.

Bo Fishback, CEO of Zaarly.

For the past few years, Zaarly has enabled users to ask for anything from people nearby.  And now, with its new storefront platform, the Kansas City startup allows entrepreneurs, store owners and talented individuals to market their services directly from the Zaarly site (in an extremely professional way!).  That means that you can find virtually anything on Zaarly--from bakers to repairmen, yogis to massage therapists, calligraphers to tutors--all at a reasonable price.  And all of them have been Zaarly-approved (many by CEO Bo Fishback himself!).

Simply log in on www.zaarly.com/in/kansas-city.  From there, you can discover all of the amazing products and services that your neighbors provide.  With over 1000 listings in the Kansas City market alone, you're bound to find something you need (or want) just by scrolling through the storefronts.  Don't have time to make dinner tonight?  Order a weekly meal plan of homemade soups from Jenn Stagner.  Frustrated when attempting to train your disobedient puppy?  Newman's Dog Training can help with that (even while you're at work!).  Looking for a creative gift for a friend?  Get some sneakers custom painted by Ken Deladurantaye.  You never know what you'll find on Zaarly.

This same Zaarly storefront platform has already launched in test markets including San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York City.  But Kansas City is Zaarly's first real trial of the new platform.  According to Fishback, "there is real magic that we can capture in Kansas City."

Fishback wants you to discover Zaarly storefronts for yourself (don't be shy...give it a try!).  The CEO himself encourages you to give the new platform a shot by "favoriting" a particular storefront, buying a cool product and experiencing exactly how the new Zaarly works.  Not satisfied?  Bo will personally reimburse you for anything you buy and are not satisfied with.

"This is the place in the world to go when you want to find something awesome," states Bo Fishback, quite simply. "That is Zaarly.  That is the goal."

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

Think Big Accelerator Spotlight: Dwayne Brock of Kansas City Startup Kahootz

How many calendars do you have? If it takes you more than five seconds to answer that question, you’re not alone. Dwayne Brock, CEO and co-founder of Kahootz, along with his wife Annie, had the very same problem.  

With too many calendars to keep track of, the idea of Kahootz, a unifying calendar among many platforms, was born.  The Kansas City-based startup is a consumer-focused online calendar platform that provides users with easier ways to combine, share and manage all obligations and profiles on one easy-to-maintain social-based platform. Kahootz also enables user-controlled, privacy-enabled, permission-based business-to-consumer markets through event promotion syndication.

“It was [Annie’s] idea,” says Dwayne Brock. “She put together the idea for Kahootz, but there wasn’t any business model or revenue producing stream.  That’s where I came in.”

Ever since the realization of their great idea and natural collaboration, Dwayne, a veteran manager of the medical supply and pharmaceutical sales industry, found himself in his first entrepreneurial endeavor to build and create Kahootz.  As he puts it, “I became an entrepreneur by default”.

Through networking and connections, Kahootz came in contact with Think Big Partners and, more specifically, the Think Big Partners Accelerator.

The Think Big Accelerator started its 22-week journey on Tuesday September 25^th, 2012 in order to help six startups launch their businesses faster, better and smarter. The six startups that make up the first accelerator class united from all regions of the U.S.—from Kansas City to New York to Los Angeles.

Each startup in the accelerator has had its own unique experience so far.  In Kahootz’s case, the accelerator process has involved developing and building the web and mobile based platforms for the calendar-centric app. 

In addition to guiding developers and the vision for Kahootz, Dwayne has also continued to work and manage a 16-state medical supply sales and distribution territory.  Dwayne reiterates, “Ultimately, I’d love to make Kahootz my full-time job, and we’re growing at rate where it needs to be. But we’re funding this 100% ourselves so far. Basically, I’m working one to fund the other.”

Though he has been pulling double duty, Dwayne feels that it is all worth it in the end.  “Kahootz brings something to the table that no other calendar platform does.”

KC Startup inCharge Seeks to Solve Cellphone Battery Issues; Think Big Ventures Invests

The first prototype of an inCharge
charging station.

It’s happened to anyone with a cell phone:  Just when you need your phone the most, you look up at the top right hand corner and gasp; you only have 3% battery left!

What do you do?  Do you power the phone off and save the battery’s juice for when you really need it?  Do you run to the nearest outlet (who knows where that’s located!)?  Do you plug important contacts in your friend’s phone just in case?  Do you just let your battery die and try to survive? 

The truth of the matter is, there is no good option.  Until now.

Introducing: inCharge, a new Kansas City startup that aims to provide an easy charging solution for dead cell phone batteries.

Founded by Kansas City entrepreneur Bryan Richard, inCharge LLC aims to place free charging stations for mobile devices in public places such as train stations, shopping centers, sports facilities and other locations with high foot traffic.  According to The Kansas City Business Journal, inCharge will “plug a gap in developing countries between use of cell phones and easy access to electricity to keep the device charged.” 

The inCharge charging stations are currently being designed and manufactured here in Kansas City with help from BareSkull Innovation Inc.  The charging stations will incorporate charging “wheels” and plug-ins for all different kinds of phones—Androids, iPhones, Blackberries and even standard flip phones.  Each wheel can hold up to four phones.  Additionally, inCharge charging stations will incorporate interactive advertising opportunities.  With this opportunity, advertisers will attract highly engaged audiences and have the chance to form new types of communication with potential customers. 

BareSkull and Richard are currently building two prototypes, both of which will be tested in the Kansas City market.  One will be tested at a local high profile stadium and the other at Kansas City’s Power and Light District. 

In addition, inCharge will be installing a trial charging station in Hyderabad, India at the GVK One shopping mall on November 1, 2012.  Because of India’s high population, high teledensity and inconsistent electrical infrastructure, inCharge hopes to gain valuable insight into its new product. 

“I went to school for architecture, but it’s been a long time since I could actually design and build something and see it come to life,” explains Bryan Richard, founder of inCharge.  “That has been the most exciting part of this process.” 

Think Big Ventures I has taken a lead investor role in the startup with its $50,000 investment in inCharge.  The startup has also received $25,000 from an unnamed private investor and has bootstrapped $50,000.

“Ultimately, our goal is to keep customers connected and to eliminate the problem of dead cell phone batteries,” says Richard. 

Update October 1, 2012: inCharge just launched its first charging station at Livestrong Sporting Park this past Friday!  According to Brian Richard, Sporting fans were waiting to charge their phones before the station was even plugged in.  The charging stations are now being pursued by other high traffic locations such as the Power and Light District.  Stay tuned! 

Kansas City Startup DealBug.com Announces Merger with YourBestDeals.com

DealBug.com has merged with YourBestDeals.com, one of the nation’s fastest growing local daily deal destinations, further expanding YourBestDeals.com’s market in the Kansas City area. Dealbug.com, founded on a platform of donating a portion of every purchase made by subscribers back to local non-profit organizations, has been providing exceptional deals since August of 2010.

“Determining how to take DealBug.com to the next level has not been a simple process. Finding a path that expanded our subscribers’ shopping experience while maintaining the non-negotiable charitable aspect that Dealbug.com was founded on came full circle when we began talks with YourBestDeals” says founder and President of DealBug, Matthew Kirk. “Not only does YourBestDeals give our subscribers access to over 2000 exceptional new businesses, but continues to pay it forward by donating a percentage per purchase back to our subscribers’ school, non-profit or charity of choice. YourBestDeals understands that our members are the heart of why DealBug has been a success, and the reason we have been able to account for over $33,000 in donations in less than two years. With YourBestDeals recent partnership with Google Offers, Kansas City has an opportunity to help their favorite organizations by purchasing their favorite items on a national level as well. That made this the perfect merger for us long term. Dealbug becoming a part of the YourBestDeals family just makes sense.”

Now Kansas City’s non-profits will reap the benefits of donations through an expansion of deals offered in over 140 cities nationwide. What does this mean for our local organizations receiving donations? DealBug has released details with a tracking code for each of their 600 (+) active KC metro area schools, charities and non-profits. This allows all of those who sign up to receive YourBestDeals emails through this link to issue a percentage of each purchase to the organization of their choice.

“This will guarantee that the foundation of Dealbug will thrive and continue to support local organizations for years to come” say Matthew Kirk.

To ensure that you are still able to give, simply go to DealBug.com and click on the “Choose Your Favorite Organization” link to continue the donations. This is truly of greater benefit, as it enables friends, families and organization supporters outside of the KC Metro area to join YourBestDeals.com via their association with those organizations, and let them benefit from the donations as well, regardless of where they live.

“The traditional online coupon space has reached a level of deal fatigue for both the consumer and the merchant alike. DealBug.com’s business model provides additional value to the consumer, by giving them a way to support charities and their community by purchasing things that make sense and give a portion to charity,” said Herb Sih, Managing Partner of Think Big Partners. “It’s a win-win for all plus the community, and the merger with YourBestDeals.com only amplifies the consumer’s ability to give back while saving money.”

DealBug.com has begun the transition of offering deals through YourBestDeals.com. Further details of the merger have not been disclosed.

Midwest Startups We Love

Entrepreneurs, we’re proud of you! We want to encourage you to keep pushing the limits and reaching for your goals. To show our appreciation, we’ve made a list the Midwest’s most loved startup companies. Is your startup on the list?

Front Flip: Overland Park, KS

Front Flip helps your business engage with your customers. Learn who your customers are and track how many times they’re in your store. Interact with them through promotions and giveaways, and grow your customer base easily. Front Flip gives your business the tools to impress your customers and keep ‘em coming back for more!

Goodsmiths: Des Moines, IA

Think of a marketplace like Etsy. Goodsmiths is a place where you can buy unique, handmade items from jewelry to clothing to metal art. No more travelling to flea markets because there is something for everyone on this site.

Battle Sports Science: Omaha, NE

Battle Sports Science is a mission to make sports injuries a thing of the past. At Battle Sports Science, the company works tirelessly by researching new methods of safety.  The company then implements all findings into new products. These revolutionizing products are available for almost every sport. If you play the game, you need Battle Sports Science in your life!

Locusic: Des Moines, IA

Are you a music fan? Locusic makes it easier for you to discover new artists and listen to local music in your area. Listeners get free music from bands within 50 miles of where they live. Not only is it great for the fans, the local bands now have an opportunity for more exposure than ever! Talk about a win-win!

Oohly: Leawood, KS

Have you ever been watching a TV show and thought, “Hey, I want that!” Now, with Oohly, you don’t have to think it—you can do it! This new app connects to your TV and allows you to see what your favorite stars are wearing...and then you can purchase instantly! Yes, you can purchase more than just apparel; it’s compatible with tons of other products!

Divshot: Kansas City, MO

If you own a business, you know how important it is to have an online presence. And with the overwhelming use of smartphones, developing an app is almost necessary. Divshot has come up with a simple solution for those that aren’t so tech savvy. Divshot invented a way for the average person to build an app using HTML and CSS, without having to learn code! Pretty neat, we’d say!

Chirpify: Portland, OR

Twitter meets transactions; that’s Chirpify. You want to buy that song on your favorite artist’s Twitter page? Done! Just Tweet “Buy”. It’s as easy as that. You can even Tweet your friends money because they look nice today or because they helped you move—whatever the reason! It’s a social way to do business!

Leap2: Kansas City, KS

When you search something on Leap2, you get all the information. Web, images, location and social media all on one page—and it’s live! You can opt to receive notifications when something new is posted about the topic. It’s the ultimate tool to stay “in the know”.

Planet Reuse: Kansas City, MO

Want to do more for the environment? Planet Reuse can help! They make it easier to use salvaged materials in buildings. Planet Reuse is a brokerage firm that matches salvaged materials to those that need it for projects. They’re on a mission to reduce landfill waste, save money and time and save the planet in the process!

Spread the love—what Midwest startups are you pining for? 

What Do You Believe In? Mingo Ink Makes It Known

Picture a yard full of 50 pink flamingos. Chances are, you can’t help but smile...or at least feel a little warm and fuzzy inside.

That very image inspired Tiffiney Baumgarden to create a new clothing line known as Mingo Ink. Mingo Ink is a t-shirt line that encourages people to be their unique selves—and proclaim exactly what they believe in.  Each Mingo Ink shirt displays a quote on its front that explains what each wearer believes in most.  The t-shirts are adorned with quotes such as “believes in possibility”, “believes in happily ever after” even “believes in karma”.

And apparently, Tiffiney, founder of Mingo Ink, should bear a shirt that reads “Believes in entrepreneurship.”  As a part of her clothing line’s mission, 10% of all Mingo Ink profits go straight to the support of local startups.  Yeah, we think it’s safe to say that Tiffiney means business—and believes in it. 

The Face behind the Ink

Tiffiney Baumgarden grew up in an entrepreneurial household, so she’s no stranger to startups or hard work. Her mother is part-owner of a local Kansas City boutique known as La~de~da. With exposure to the worlds of entrepreneurship and fashion at a young age, Tiffiney quickly gained the confidence to start her own clothing line. Tiffiney said she loved working in the boutique, but “wanted something that was completely mine”.

Thinking Big

Tiffiney plans to expand the Mingo Ink clothing line in the coming months. “I want to start a winter line and a children’s line”, she explains. “How cute would a onesie be that says ‘I believe in fairy tales?’”

Adorable, of course.  

Right now, Tiffiney’s main goal is to build up Mingo Ink’s brand recognition. She wants her shirts to be instantly recognizable so someone can see a shirt and say, “Oh, that’s a Mingo Ink!” We like that Think Big approach.  Who knows?  Maybe I’ll purchase a t-shirt that proclaims “believes in Thinking Big” to help spread the word. 

Words of Wisdom for Entrepreneurs Everywhere

When asked what advice she would give other entrepreneurs out there, Tiffiney responded:  

“You have to 120% believe in what you’re doing.”  

Regardless of the stories we all hear of failed startups, it’s important to believe your business will be the one that makes a difference.  Tiffiney also added a more humorous approach to her entrepreneurial advice: “Don’t be afraid of being that annoying person!”  Wherever Tiffiney goes, she tells people about her new product. Outreach is critical—and if she wants brand recognition, that’s how she’s going to get it!

Tiffiney knows what it takes to start a business. She grew up always hearing, “go big or go home”...and most importantly, she listened. Tiffiney is thinking big, are you?

What do you believe in?  View the Mingo Ink store and purchase your belief today: Mingo Ink store. 

bizperc Member Named One of America's Most Promising Social Entrepreneurs of 2012

Nathan Benjamin and Willow Lundgren of PlanetReuse.

Photo: Bloomberg Businessweek

Last week, BloombergBusinessweek announced bizperc member PlanetReuse as one of America's Most Promising Social Entrepreneurs of 2012.  The Kansas City startup has been honored because of its scope, impact and sustainability efforts (and beat out over 300 other social companies to be placed in the Top 25!).


"We're honored to be among so many amazing companies doing impactful work around the globe," says Nathan Benjamin, Founder of PlanetReuse. "We see our business and ourselves as instruments for building a more sustainable future.   It's great to see Bloomberg Businessweek spotlight all kinds of social entrepreneurs who are similarly driven."

PlanetReuse is dedicated to decreasing the amount of waste going into landfills.  According to the Building Materials Reuse Association, housing and building construction and demolition waste account for 40% of what's going into America's landfills.  PlanetReuse's goal is to shrink this number to 30% by 2020.  In order to do so, PlanetReuse collaborates with commercial architects, contractors and building owners to reclaim and extend the life of building materials in new projects.  

For the residential building industry, PlanetReuse is beta testing a technology platform,  PlanetReuse Marketplace powered by InvenQuery, that will showcase inventories from reuse centers across the country with the aim of making it as easy to shop online for used materials, as it is to shop for new materials.  

"Being a facilitator of positive change in the world isn't just the domain of non-profits and public institutions," says Willow Lundgren, PlanetReuse's Chief of Strategy.  "We believe--and there are studies to back this up-- that the most successful for-profit businesses are those that consider economic, environmental and social impact."

PlanetReuse is looking for YOUR vote to become the final five of America's Most Promising Social Entrepreneur from the 25 on the list.  Vote for PlanetReuse here and become a part of this movement!  A big congratulations to PlanetReuse for making it into the Top 25.  Now, it's up to us to see that the KC-based company takes the title!  Vote today.  

Follow PlanetReuse: @PlanetReuse

Follow me: @AllisonThinkBig

014 Think Big Radio: Divvy HQ Spotlight

On this episode of Think Big Radio, we interviewed Jayme Thomason of Divvy HQ—a cool, successful startup that blossomed right out of downtown Kansas City.  Divvy HQ produces a user-friendly, super-simple content marketing and editorial calendar for writers, content strategists, marketers, freelancers, PR professionals editors and bloggers alike.  And although Divvy HQ doesn’t like to brag, they have landed stellar clients such as Intel, H&R Block, QVC, Nokia, Red Bull, TiVo and others.  Divvy HQ acts as a cloud-based home base for everything a writer needs to make the content development task easier.  Tune into this Think Big podcast and learn about how Divvy HQ came to be and what the team plans to work on in the future.

014 Think Big Radio: Divvy HQ Spotlight

REVIEW US!  We want to hear what you think of Think Big Radio.  Give us a review on iTunes.   

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

Entrepreneurial Attitudes In Kansas City [From Brad Feld of TechStars and Foundry Group]

Brad Feld, co-founder of Foundry Group and TechStars, recently corresponded with Herb Sih, co-founder of Think Big Partners, to discuss the startup scene in and around the Kansas City area.  Read the article featured on Brad's blog, Startup Communities and view it below: 

Brad Feld of TechStars
and Foundry Group.

I’ve gotten many emails about how startup communities grow and develop completely separately from Silicon Valley. Following is an overview of what’s driving the Kansas City startup community right now, written by Herb Sih, the co-founder and managing partner of Think Big Partners.

The founders of Think Big Partners toured the startup scene in Silicon Valley before they launched their Midwest business incubator and startup accelerator.  And although the Think Big team uncovered helpful tips during a tour of the Valley (like the impact of coworking spaces, the need for local funders and the importance of a tech culture), they seemed to learn one lesson that was much more impactful after returning back to their home of Kansas City:  You don’t need to be like Silicon Valley in order to get Silicon Valley-esque results.

Herb Sih of Think Big Partners.

And that’s where Think Big Partners started.  They asked themselves, “How can we make a Silicon Valley impact with our own Midwestern roots?  How can we make a dent in the startup and tech worlds in our own city, on our own watch?”  The team answered these questions by developing one of Kansas City’s first coworking spaces, which has been the second home to over 50 entrepreneurs and their startup companies.  Think Big Partners also developed a business incubator and startup accelerator model that has helped to launch and grow some of the most successful Midwestern businesses today.  With collaboration from other Kansas City entrepreneurial superstars such as the Kauffman Foundation, KCSourceLink, Kansas PIPELINE, the University of Kansas City-Missouri Bloch School and others, Think Big Partners helped to make entrepreneurial success one of the city’s main focuses.

And Think Big Partners’ launch was timed just right.  Because soon after the launch of TBP, Kansas City (and the Midwest for that matter) underwent an immense entrepreneurial transformation.

Since the launch of Think Big Partners, entrepreneurship seemed to explode in and around the Kansas City area.  Startup companies such as Zaarly, Dwolla and LiveOn have flourished in the Midwest.  There has been so much startup success that the Midwestern region has become known as Silicon Prairie.

But it isn’t Silicon Valley that has defined the terms for Silicon Prairie.  The Silicon Prairie area is an entrepreneurial movement in its own right.  For instance, Silicon Prairie has become the home of the nation’s first Google 1-Gigabit Fiber Network, has been named the IT hub by The Wall Street Journal and is gradually becoming known as The City of Entrepreneurs.  This has all been on Silicon Prairie’s watch—not Silicon Valley’s.

But how has this entire region grown its startup scene without help from Silicon Valley?  The answer is obvious: with entrepreneurial attitudes.  Silicon Prairie is all about collaboration.  At one moment, you’ll see that H&R Block has rejuvenated its entrepreneurial mentorship program and the next, you’ll find that The Kauffman Foundation has invested in Kansas PIPELINE initiatives.  In one instant, you will learn about Think Big Partners’ Gigabit Challenge business plan competition and the next, you’ll see five new coworking spaces pop up around the Midwest.  Everyone is working on entrepreneurship together—making the Midwest one of the nation’s up-and-coming entrepreneurial hubs to date (we like to also call this “coopetition”—where competitors end up cooperating together instead of competing against each other.  This is one of the main reasons that Kansas City and the Midwest have become so entrepreneurial.)

Kansas City: It's the people in that make this community
an entrepreneurial one.  

It’s not about having a Silicon Valley attitude—it’s about having an entrepreneurial attitude.  It’s about partnering with other organizations in and around your area.  It’s about thinking big with entrepreneurs that sit next to you in your coworking space.  It’s about collaboarting with tech gurus, social media wizards and community leaders at cool business events.  It’s the people that make a community an entrepreneurial one—not the location—and it’s up to you to contribute.

Follow Brad! @bfeld

Follow Herb Sih! @thinkbigKC