Yesterday, we spent the morning at the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) Business Launch Semifinal Event. We had the opportunity to hear about several local companies from a wide array of industries who are creating truly innovative technologies and solving real pains for their customers. In case you were not able to attend, we wanted to highlight them here on our blog.
[Tweet “Over 20 companies pitched in the @TAGThink 2015 Business Launch Semifinal. Check them out!”]
Without further delay, here they are!
Borrowed By Design — This app solves the problem of what ladies should do with formal dresses once they wear them. It allows dress owners to list their garments on the exchange for others to rent. They are targeting both high school girls (who often have prom dresses) and retailers (who have overstocks that they need to sell).
CheckDroid – Developers of Android apps face the challenge on ensuring that those apps work on a wide array of devices. CheckDroid helps simplify the quality assurance process which makes the testing process easier and provides useful analytics to ensure the best possible end user experience.
Edgewood Ave – This company creates a community to connect designers, brands and customers to each other. They do this by curating high-quality goods and showcasing them through exclusive editorial content. The app also features a recommendation engine suggests wares based on user preferences.
Facial Map Technologies – The cosmetic industry is ripe for digital disruption and that is exactly what Facial Map Technologies aims to do. Their technology customizes the consumer’s makeup buying experience through personalization. The B2B company targets any cosmetic company whether they sell via retail or direct selling.
Fittery – If you have ever purchased clothing online, you know how frustrating it can be when it arrives and does not fit. Fittery allows consumers to take less of a risk when buying online by matching the user’s measurements with the measurements of the brand’s clothing. It also provides a recommendation engine of clothes that are most likely to fit the user the best.
Gimme Vending – Vending machine owners lose a substantial amount of money each year due to theft and product shortage. Gimme Vending works to solve that problem by providing owners with the data and analytics needed to maintain their machines properly.
HanGenix – It is no secret that hand washing can prevent many diseases, yet this simple task doesn’t always happen like it should in hospitals. This technology provides a reminder to the medical care staff to complete hand washing before attending to a patient.
Hux – The online marketplace for house cleaning is a ripe one indeed. Hux personally vets all of their providers with a complete and thorough background check along with providing them with all the tools to ensure their success. They soon plan to add in additional service providers such as dog walking & home repair.
Live Resume – Anyone who has ever searched for a job knows how challenging the job search process can be. This innovative platform brings employers, recruiters and job seekers together while simplifying the application process.
Local Roots – As consumers aim to live a healthier lifestyle, the demand for locally sourced food has never been greater. This platform connects local farmers to local consumers creating an online food marketplace.
MyMobileLyfe – Chances are high that you might be reading this blog on a mobile device. As more and more people consume content on mobile, it becomes more and more essential for content to be optimized for viewing. It also acts as a search engine and online trend watcher.
Quantum Gravity, Inc. – This app creates an e-commerce marketplace for high end sunglasses.
Synapse Software Systems – The aircraft maintenance software is a crucial but outdated one. This company made this essential software easy to use along with a beautiful user interface.
TekWear – Agriculture is not usually an industry that is associated with technological innovations. The founder of TekWear learned through experience that tracking activities in the farm fields was nearly impossible and that a hands-free solution would be very valuable. Their innovative technology is designed to run on wearable devices and is voice activated.
Terminus – Terminus is the leading B2B Advertising Automation software enabling companies to put their message in front of the right decision makers through account-based marketing across all digital channels — mobile, social, display and video. With Terminus, you can integrate directly with your CRM and Marketing Automation platforms to proactively reach and engage targeted accounts across all stages of the buyer’s journey.
Uniquely Virtual – Many businesses have a need for executive assistants but can’t always afford to hire one full time. This app helps maximize productivity by allowing you to delegate high level administrative skills so you can focus on what is most important in your business.
We Care Card – There are times in life where fundraising needs to happen as quickly as possible such as medical emergencies or when a loved one passes on. This online fundraising platform allows friends and family to contribute to campaigns and allows money to be withdrawn as needed.
ZeeZor – Retail managers need to know how their business is performing in real time. This app runs on the point-of-sale (POS) system and pushes relevant data to a mobile device.
Zyrobotics– Special needs children face unique learning challenges but are often taught in a traditional classroom. This technology allows them to remain in the same environment as their peers while learning is made more accessible and easier.
The final competition will take place on May 11, 2015 in a single elimination tournament. From there, the top four companies will compete for $50,000 in cash, more than $350,000 in valuable services and an automatic spot in Venture Atlanta.
We would also like to thank the judges in the competition:
Evelyn Bolden, Corporate Development, Cox Enterprises, Inc.
Joan Herbig, CEO, ControlScan
Melanie Leeth, President, Imlay Investments
Keith McGreggor, Director, VentureLab
Blake Patton, Managing Partner, Tech Square Ventures
Michael Price, General Partner, CEO Ventures
Martin Tilson, Chair, Southeast Investor Group (SIG)
Jeff McConnell, CEO, Whisper Communications LLC
We were truly blown away at the degree of innovation here in Georgia and wish all the best to each of the companies who pitched yesterday. We invite you to go check out their websites and tell us in the comments which one(s) you liked the best.
