With a background in law and a passion for music, Marshall Seese, Jr. isn’t your typical social gaming entrepreneur. In fact, he is a bit of an industry outsider – a label he says fits most of the members of Mowgli, the startup he helped launch in 2010.
“I’m not a game designer by background,” said Seese, who serves as Mowgli’s founder and CEO. “I don’t think there’s a single person on my team that has deep Facebook social gaming experience. Yet we have managed to create a product that solves a problem inherent in all other social games: we give players the ability to create something they can take outside the game.”
Named after the protagonist in Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book,” Mowgli is based around a simple concept: connecting people through social creation. The startup’s inaugural product – Songster – will be the first social game dedicated to music creation on Facebook. Currently in private beta, the game allows players to create songs by building music with layers of instrument and vocal loops. Players can then download their completed musical creations as well as share it on Facebook.
In addition, Songster users will follow a storyline that features a fledgling musician working his or her way up the ranks of the music industry. As players progress through the game, they will unlock achievements ranging from playing larger venues to hiring a manager to signing record deals.
“We have a few hundred people playing the game right now and the feedback has been very positive,” said Seese, adding they will publicly launch Songster at the SXSW Interactive Accelerator competition on March 12-14. “The core of the game is that we, as people, are innately inclined to create things. Players can make really cool songs in this game, so there is a lot of sharing going on.”
The idea for Songster began in fall 2010, when Seese read an article detailing how FarmVille, a popular farming simulation social network game, had become a literal cash cow for creator Zynga. Then serving as Corporate Counsel for the North Highland Company, Seese began brainstorming ways to successfully combine music with social gaming. “I had a lightbulb moment and realized I wanted to build something that would enable anyone to create music and connect that way,” he said.
Shortly after that, he joined forces with co-founder Adam Kunz – a digital media specialist – and the rest is history. Now focused on product development, the nine-person startup recently got a financial boost courtesy of $550,000 in angel investments. Once Songster is available next month, the ATDC member company hopes to see significant consumer interest in the game.
“Ideally, I would love to see Songster become a top 5 Facebook game within the next year, drawing 40 million monthly users. I’d also like it to go viral and produce the next big music success,” said Seese. “Realistically, I’d be happy if Songster was a top 25 game, with five to six million active users.”
Interested in checking out Songster? Plug in user code MGS808 to play.
When Jason Dyer was studying law at Georgia State University, he noticed how frustrated teachers and students would get while using the standard legal technology. The software was needlessly complex, causing user headaches and delays rather than efficiency.
“Studying law and using legal technology made me realize how much better it could be,” said Dyer, who received a Juris Doctor degree from GSU. “I’ve seen attorneys become so frustrated with the state of legal technology. It’s a profession that’s too complex and too important for clunky software.”
Dyer took those experiences and founded Eggplanter, LLC in spring 2011. The ATDC member startup pairs technology with simple, usable designs to deliver maximum value to law practices. Today’s economy demands that law firms operate as efficiently and effectively as possible. At the same time, the pressure to build relationships with new clients – and help existing ones – means attorneys must work faster than ever. The goal of Eggplanter is to partner with attorneys to create an array of unique product solutions for law students and legal firms of all sizes.
CaseCurrent, the company’s flagship product, is a professional network and attorney-to-attorney referral platform. The web-based software leverages existing networks to find new clients, build key contacts and analyze a practice’s unique business drivers all in real-time.
“Right now, you have people going on daytime television and doing advertisements to find new clients or cases,” said Dyer, who serves as Eggplanter’s CEO. “Instead, you should target referrals to attorneys that could do a good job for the client. This product provides a better way of structuring your contacts.”
Eggplanter recently began private beta testing for CaseCurrent with licensed Georgia attorneys and is set to launch a funding round for the official product launch this spring. Another solution currently under development is NoteSprout, a rapid note taking app specifically designed for law students to organize lecture notes and course outlines.
Now focused on product development and strategic partnerships, the five-person startup plans to utilize ATDC’s resources and technology guidance as they move into their next phase of growth – which will have a national scope.
“ATDC provides invaluable resources to accomplish our goal of becoming a premier legal technology incubator,” said Dyer. “We have some pretty awesome strategic partnerships that are in the works, so I’m excited to see what happens next.”
If a group of Georgia Tech graduates has their way, a bike-sharing program developed on campus will someday be available throughout Atlanta, providing commuters with a low-cost and flexible transportation alternative.
Founded in March 2010 by Kyle Azevedo, Siddharth Doshi, Koji Intlekofer and Yuriy Romaniw, viaCycle aims to make bikes available for communal use without the pricey infrastructure that has plagued similar programs in other cities. Since the launch of a six-month pilot program at Georgia Tech in November, the ATDC member company has quadrupled its fleet to include 40 bicycles and racked up more than 450 users.
“We’ve been thrilled with the amount of people signing up,” said Azevedo, the company CEO. “The bikes normally get used a couple times a day, but we expect that to pick up as the weather improves. We obviously want this pilot program to succeed so we can turn it into a long-term, sustainable business.”
It works like this: the bicycles contain a mounted electronic lock system and GPS connection that allows registered Georgia Tech students, faculty and staff to reserve a bike. Unlike many other bike sharing programs that require specialized bike racks or kiosks for payment, viaCycle users can lock or unlock a bike simply by proving their user information through a text message or phone call. The technology allows administrators to limit the usage area and provides detailed trip tracking. ViaCycle worked with Georgia Tech Parking and Transportation Services and the City of Atlanta’s Office of Sustainability to launch the pilot program.
The startup began as a research project back in 2008, when viaCycle founders applied for – and lost – a $100,000 Ford Foundation grant. A year later, they revamped their bike sharing proposal and submitted another Ford application, this time for a $50,000 grant. They won that prize.
“We sat down and designed a bike sharing system from the ground up that really improved on the drawbacks that were out there, in terms of the costly infrastructure,” said Azevedo.
So far, the five-member viaCycle team has operated solely off of winnings from grants and business competitions. But as they turn their attention to the future, Azevedo said they will begin looking for investor financing and continue utilizing ATDC resources and networking opportunities. They are currently discussing bike sharing programs with Atlantic Station and Midtown Alliance.
“In the past few years, we’ve seen this model of collaborative consumption take off in the business world,” said Azevedo. “Atlanta actually has a very strong and passionate cycling community, so I think bike sharing could be really successful here.”
A leading expert who has helped numerous Fortune 500 companies optimize their business processes, Radhika Subramanian knows a thing or two about entrepreneurial success. Now serving as CEO of Emcien – a 2008 graduate of ATDC – Subramanian will share her tips and insight at Entrepreneur’s Night this evening. Running from 6 to 7:30 pm tonight, the event provides young startups with the chance to hobnob with other industry players and hear success stories from a distinguished ATDC entrepreneur.
“I’ll discuss the entrepreneur’s journey, as well as lean startups and pivots,” said Subramanian. “A pivot is a way to change the business based on how the market/customers are responding. This is critical to convert a startup to a successful business.”
Founded in 2002, Emcien provides pattern-based analytics applications designed to solve specific business problems. Emcien’s innovation originated when Dr. Roy Marsten, a leading computational optimization expert, solved a tough problem for a leading auto manufacturer while serving as a professor at Georgia Tech in the 1990s. Subramanian said ATDC resources helped aid the company’s eventual success, providing them with crucial connections and mentors.
With nearly 20 years of entrepreneurial experience under her belt, Subramanian has a little more advice for young entrepreneurs.
“A startup is a very difficult task and is not for the light-hearted,” she said. “Pick your team wisely so that you can say, “Mission accomplished!”
Entrepreneur’s Night takes place the third Thursday of every month in ATDC Community Room 235. The networking event is free for ATDC members. Register now to attend.
In recent months, Innovolt has expanded in staff size and market reach, secured licensing agreements with several prestigious Fortune Global 500 companies, and debuted a new brand and streamlined website. And if company leaders have their way, the Atlanta-based startup will see even more growth and success in the new year.
“2012 is poised to be another year of growth for Innovolt,” said Jeff Spence, president and COO of Innovolt. “We are looking at ways to expand globally and further penetrate OEMs (original equipment manufacturers).”
A 2009 graduate of ATDC, the company provides patented electronics protection for hundreds of millions of dollars of installed systems, mainly in the commercial and industrial markets. Innovolt’s core technology is the brainchild of company founder Deepak Divan, a faculty member at the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Georgia Tech. While working in the ATDC lab in 2006, he developed a microprocessor-driven system to proactively recognize potential power disturbances that damage electronics. In other words, the technology protects electrical equipment not just from lightning, but from routine power disturbances such as sags and surges that cause equipment fatigue.
The young company is now licensing its technology in markets ranging from consumer electronics, medical technology, cable and satellite, to HVAC and control systems. A burgeoning client list includes top Fortune Global 500 firms Ricoh, Toshiba, Konica Minolta, Katun and ECi OMD.
With an affordable, functional technology that applies to a wide range of industries, Innovolt anticipates even more client growth in the near future.
“We expect to see continued expansion into the cable, medical, cloud and appliance market-segments, which will have a significant impact on financial growth in the months to come,” said Spence.
December 15, 2011 by
kateFrustrated by statistics revealing how few people follow the dietary advice of their health care providers, Jiten Chhabra began researching ways to address the problem. A physician with a master’s degree in human computer interaction, Chhabra took a unique approach – one that focused on providing on-the-spot nutritional decision support at cafeterias and restaurants. Following three years of research and IT development at Georgia Tech, his solution became a reality. Usable Health was launched in early 2010, providing menu-personalization software to generate diner loyalty.
“Data showed that our menu personalization application can help people make better eating choices, while also making restaurant operators more money,” said Chhabra. “That is when I knew there was a sustainable business here.”
Usable Health provides an in-restaurant kiosk system – called a SmartMenu – that will customize meal recommendations based on the customer’s nutritional goals. An interactive computer screen displays a detailed description of each item on the menu, including photos and details on all nutritional content. The technology then lets guests tailor each meal to meet their dietary goals by offering a series of recommendations based on their nutritional preferences. For example, if someone is looking for a low-carb or high-protein meal, the SmartMenu will produce a list of on-demand suggestions.
Currently, 22 restaurants feature the self-service kiosks, including Tin Drum, a quick service establishment, and the Fresh To Order fast casual restaurant chain. Most locations are in the Atlanta area, but as more restaurants strive to meet new federal nutritional guidelines and provide a healthier dining experience, Usable Health is seeing increased interest in its SmartMenu technology. The ATDC member company hopes to expand into other restaurants and major nationwide chains in the near future.
“Right now we are busy with product development and in forming channel partnerships,” said Chhabra. “Web and mobile apps are coming up in collaboration with our partners as well. An upcoming SmartMenu feature I am looking forward to is diner recognition, which learns a diner’s ordering history and makes recommendations based on that. It is kind of like how Netflix makes movie recommendations…but better.”
Torn between the Kindle and the Nook? Or whether WordPress is a better blogging platform than Drupal? ATDC member GetComparisons aims to take the pain out of your decision-making process by providing a one-stop-shop for product comparisons.
Launched in late April, the free service allows consumers to sign up and search the site for existing reviews or request or create a comparison of their own. Comparisons show how many times the product has been viewed and the number of positive and negative ratings it has received, along with a detailed explanation of the pros and cons. It’s much like Amazon’s review section, but with the added functionality of feedback, blogs, forums and ratings.
“People research product comparisons all the time, but they often have to sift through various sites to find what they’re looking for,” said GetComparisons founder Akshay Arabolu. “This provides one platform that allows users to easily find – and discuss – meaningful comparisons.”
A former investment banker specializing in the software sector, Arabolu developed the idea for GetComparisons last year while researching different software and applications for his own potential entrepreneurial venture. Frustrated by the inability to quickly find side-by-side product comparisons, he came up with his own solution – and the startup was born. It took months of research, professional outreach and work with various web developers and designers before the site was ready to go public earlier this year.
Since the spring launch, some 1,200 people have signed up to review more than 500 products. Though mostly focused on tablets, smartphones and productivity tools, comparisons range in topic from religion to the perks of living in various cities. Now focused on the development of a stronger brand and identity, the three-person startup plans to utilize ATDC’s resources and networking opportunities as they move into their next phase of growth. They also hope to eventually move to sponsored content.
“From a product standpoint, it’s universally liked,” said Arabolu. “However, it’s been challenging because we built the product without picking a niche and we’ve since learned that the direction in which you point your product is very important. Because people are able to compare anything from religion to web servers, that lends itself to different audiences and has made it more difficult for us to grow within those communities. So going forward, we’ll be working on solidifying our brand, presence and user base.”
Want to thank the neighborhood bartender that always pours the perfect pint? Or show some appreciation for your favorite barista or hairstylist? ATDC member We&Co has designed a new location-based mobile app that lets you give a public shout out to your favorite service industry professionals.
Launched in July, the free iPhone app allows users to positively rate employees while simultaneously giving businesses the opportunity to reward frequent customers with special perks or discounts.
“This is a way to engage the employees, not just the customer,” said Jared Malan, co-founder of the Atlanta-based startup. “It’s really about empowering service professionals to build their careers while also establishing relationships with the people that visit the most.”
It works like this: Open up the We&Co app to see all of the places and service pros around you. When you have a good service experience, you can thank the person behind it. If you don’t see the individual you want to acknowledge, simply add them. In addition, you can recommend your favorite mixologist to acquaintances via Facebook or Twitter, or discover the honest mechanic your friend praises.
By quantifying an employee’s value, the app could potentially help generate performance-based staff rewards and develop deeper connections between service professionals and the customers who expressed their gratitude.
“We see ourselves as being a tool for the businesses,” said Malan. “The hope is that a personal relationship with the people at a business — not just the place or the prices — will help generate more regulars. We also provide valuable data. We can tell a business who its best employees are, as well as the best customers.”
In the months since the soft launch, service professionals have been thanked in more than 50 countries. Now focused on the startup’s website, which is in private beta status, the five-person startup plans to utilize ATDC’s resources and technology guidance as they move into their next phase of growth.
Need some startup advice? Book
office hours online with our two newest ATDC team members, both experienced in the world of technology startups. Jennifer Bonnett and Steve Rushing now serve as coaches for member companies, providing insight on business model searches, fundraising, team development and more. Jennifer is serving as a Community Catalyst, taking the lead on ATDC’s educational and mentor programs, while Steve is an Executive in Residence focused on healthcare information technology. In addition to coaching, they both have strong connections to prospective business advisors, investors and customers, furthering ATDC’s mission of coaching, connecting and community.
Here’s a little more background reading on the newest additions to the ATDC team.
- Jennifer Bonnett is a technology entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience in information technology/software development, specializing in web and mobile technologies. She is currently “Chief Chick” of StartupChicks, a networking and educational organization for entrepreneurial women involved in media, technology, bio tech and green startups. She also serves as CEO of Nexpense, a mobile technology company focused on eliminating expense reporting for small to mid-sized businesses through the use of mobile devices, business rules and automation. Previously, Jennifer was VP of Technology for Seacoast Synergy, a technology business incubator, and co-founder/Chief Technology Officer of eTour.com, an internet advertising engine once labeled the “Most Addictive” site on the web by Industry Standard and the “coolest tool site” of the year by coolsiteoftheday.com. In her new role as Community Catalyst with ATDC, she will coach member companies, while also promoting ATDC and its companies to industry stakeholders. In addition, Jennifer will work with ATDC mentors to help program various educational events, both in Atlanta and Savannah.
- Steve Rushing brings three decades of experience in health care management and information systems, with clients ranging from community hospitals and multi-specialty clinics to home health care agencies and health maintenance organizations. He currently serves as director of health@ei2, a program responsible for health information technology research and deployment initiatives. Recent projects have included assistance to the Georgia Department of Community Health in conducting an environmental scan of the state’s health information technology (HIT) landscape and HIT assistance in developing a strategic and operational plan for Georgia’s statewide health information exchange. He also serves as an executive-in-residence at the Health Systems Institute, a joint venture between Georgia Tech and Emory University’s School of Medicine. In addition, he currently oversees the Jobs Accelerator project’s implementation at EI2 and multiple state and federal partnerships. This integrated project, funded by the EDA, ETA and SBA, addresses job acceleration through effective HIT commercialization and educational programs aimed at both the supply and health care provider sides of the HIT cluster in Georgia.Previously, he worked for Anderson Consulting (Accenture) for 25 years in its health care practice, as well as for The North Highland Company, BearingPoint’s Clinical Transformation practice and Superior Consultants’ e-health division. Through his position with ATDC, Rushing will council health information technology and related industry members on navigating the rapidly changing and complex health I.T. landscape, and share leadership and management experiences.
While flipping through resumes in search of a new accountant, Uvie Ugono found himself creating a grid – with a list of specific skills and experiences he wanted in a new employee.
Then serving as the chief financial officer for HSBC’s Project & Export Finance business in London, Ugono discovered he could best assess each candidate’s suitability by individually marking each resume against his desired checklist.
“That’s when the idea hit me,” said Ugono. “Why not create a website where you could search for candidates by specifying the skills and experience you were looking for to fulfill the role, and immediately receive a short list of matching candidates who meet that criteria, with the closest match first.”
Fast-forward two years and approximately $150,000, Ugono’s vision has become a self-financed reality. Launched on Sept. 12 in Atlanta, www.urecruitme.com is already making waves in the local job industry. Since then, more than 800 people have filled out profiles on the website, which serves as more of a matchmaking service than a traditional job board.
Visitors to the website are subject to a test that utilizes psychometric assessments to score candidates on communication levels, teamwork, resilience and the ability to lead and make crucial business decisions. Once a job seeker takes that free test and sets up a profile, companies can find them. Consider it the eHarmony of the recruitment world.
“We’ve basically reverse-engineered the process,” Ugono said. “Candidates don’t have to apply for jobs and search job boards every day. They’re found. Also, it helps reduce the time companies spend looking for quality candidates.”
Although Ugono plans to eventually expand the service to an international market, he chose Atlanta as the launch pad due to the city’s high unemployment rate, low business costs and appealing climate. He was also drawn by the presence of the Advanced Technology Development Center.
“I’m hoping that ATDC can help me secure the funding and management team necessary to take the business to the next level,” said Ugono. “Atlanta is just the starting point. The business model is applicable in practically every country in the world.”