Startup Competitors

iTeam is a network of CEO think tanks that brings top level CEOs together in private groups. The purpose is to provide a place to reflect on tough decisions or get honest feedback. With an emphasis on technology enablement, and a process to find, sharpen, and drive competitive edges forward, the results speak for themselves. They have identified and are addressing the somewhat hidden needs of high level CEOs. In this episode, I talk with iTeam founder and CEO, Thaddeus Rex, about what it means to run a business specifically designed to help other CEOs focus on their businesses. This includes analyzing processes, offering strengths where others are weak, and supporting and interacting in a mutually beneficial manner. All this creates a unique, and much-needed, pact of dedication between CEOs who might otherwise be alone in many circumstances and decision-making.Topics In This EpisodeThe pact that inspired iTeamInvestment and growth through Covid-19Quality control of a business when your product isn’t actually a productAnalyzing potential fit of a CEO and business buildersSolving unsolvable problems - the right teamiTeam’s current competitors and how iTeam is differentWhat makes a great facilitatorDifferentiation in startups to set yourself apartThaddeus’ core philosophy about the purpose and impact of businessSome success stories and some struggles as iTeam members support each otherCultivating options for solutionsContact InfoThaddeus Rex website: thaddeusrex.com/iteamexperience iTeam (company) LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-iteam Thaddeus Rex LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thaddeusrex TwitterFacebookiTeam (new website coming soon): thinkiteam.com

Vertex Intelligence is a data science and machine learning consultancy. They help a wide-range of companies solve tough data-related challenges by changing human problems into math problems and then solving them. Vertex identified frequent issues plaguing companies of all sizes, such as scheduling, data mining, and resource allocation, and developed machine-learning based solutions. In this episode, I talk with CEO, Tyler Foxworthy, about how they’ve leveraged data science and optimization to build Vertex Intelligence. We cover problems data scientists solve that exist now and where he sees it going in the future. Tyler shares some of Vertex Intelligence’s successes, including working with multiple enterprise-level companies. Boot-strapped to success, they have achieved seven figures with just four full time employees. Topics In This EpisodeWhen and how a company should look at the processes they need to optimize Looking at internal and external (3rd party) data and blending themMapping problems into math, an exampleIdentifying and leveraging the right solutions; getting started and maintaining continuityCurrent status of data science and where Tyler sees it goingWho is already using data science and who is coming into this approachThe impact of SaaS software companies on business development and structureWhy clean data is crucial and the resulting departure from traditional softwareEntering the data science field and marketContact InfoWebsite: vertexintelligence.com Vertex Intelligence (company) LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vertex-intelligence Tyler Foxworthy LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tyler-foxworthy Email: tyler@vertexintelligence.com

Otus is a single platform for teaching, grading, analyzing and planning for K-12 education. It’s designed for administrators, educators, students and families so they can concentrate on what matters most -- learning. Through robust and integrated technology, Otus eliminates the time and ease of use pain points for administrative and teaching tasks. Otus employs 8-week cycles for product assessment, actively and rapidly adapting and responding to requests for additions and improvements. They have positioned themselves in the center of the “Venn diagram” of technological needs in education. In this episode, I talk with Otus Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, Christopher Hull about all of this and much more. Listen as he expertly outlines their product roadmap and also gives me my absolute favorite answer ever received to a question I’ve asked at least 75 times.Topics In This EpisodeThe reach of Otus, their 300% revenue growth and market share increaseCustomer acquisition, leveraging referrals and social media; crafting the path to product adoptionOtus’ current competitors, how Otus sits in the center of the Venn diagram of meeting needsProduct roadmap: measuring success through “buckets”, key metrics, usage benchmarks, and implementation reportingResponding to customer requests for both current pain points and future preferencesOtus’ 8-week cycle for product improvement and listening to multiple stakeholders for inputAn example of an 8-week cycleListening to clients first, then assessing competitors, and combining resultsPricing models and adapting for growth and usageSimple pricing for launch of a SaaSPricing review cadence and processesContact InfoWebsite: otus.com Otus (company) LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/OtusK12 Chris Hull LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chull9Company TwitterChristopher’s TwitterCompany Facebook

Geneoscopy is committed to reinventing the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Their innovative techniques for non-invasive diagnosis and treatment includes technology for assistance in early-stage colon cancer detection. As a venture-backed startup based in Saint Louis, Missouri, Geneoscopy is walking through building technology and bringing it to the marketplace. This includes commercializing technology coming out of universities and schools of medicine. For Geneoscopy, this is specifically Washington University’s School of Medicine.In this episode, I learned a lot from Chief Commercial Officer, Vince Wong, JD, MBA, who has worked through the various aspects it takes to fully bring a product to market. We discussed what they’ve already accomplished, where they currently are, and their soon launching 10,000 clinical participant study. In particular, I was excited to discuss what Vince termed “air” support and “ground” support for product rollout. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.Topics In This EpisodeSeries B funded company; in development product FDA break-through designationProduct manufacturing plans and differing operating models for inside and outside the United StatesCurrent competitors and how Geneoscopy is superiorMarketing and positioning: healthcare insurers, healthcare providers and opinion leaders, patient advocacy groups, patient awarenessCutting through marketplace noisePartnering with and leveraging existing footprints“Air” support and “ground” support for product rolloutHow launching a new product is both similar and different in methodPotential direct-to-consumer futuresDecentralized targeting creates widened reach, expanded demographicsContact InfoWebsite: geneoscopy.com Clinical study participation: colonscreeningstudy.com Email: vince.wong@geneoscopy.com Geneoscopy (company) LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/geneoscopy Vince Wong LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vince-wong-7254151 TwitterFacebook

Upper Hand builds award-winning innovative sports and fitness management software. They streamline day-to-day operations and eliminate manual and time-consuming tasks for fitness studios, sports facilities and sports academies. Upper Hand has found tremendous success, skillfully transitioning from a solid B2C company into a sought-after, growing B2B company.Interested in learning about how they did it, I spoke with Kevin MacCauley, Founder and CEO of Upper Hand. We discuss their early pivot, their product roadmap, vertical growth focus, and their plans for future development in the ever-changing landscape of sports and fitness. Our conversation also moved into discussing the role of AI, data interpretation, Big Tech, and more, all of which I found engaging. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.Topics In This EpisodeNavigating the challenges of evolving from a B2C model to a B2B model Upper Hands’ current competitorsFocusing vertically for future growth, data handling and payment platformsEngaging innovation and accuracy in the customer roadmapIntegrating valuable client education and leveraging analyticsWhy Kevin sees AI, data interpretation, and action as integral to successAnalytics, technology regulation, ethics, AI, data storage, and Big TechContact InfoWebsite: getupperhand.com Email: kevin@getupperhand.com Upper Hand (company) LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/upper-hand Kevin MacCauley LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kevinmaccauley InstagramTwitterFacebook

Buddy Brands is a collection of solution-based pet product brands, all focused on relieving various pet health problems. Their combined products address issues such as pain, mobility, anxiety, allergies, and itching. Through Buddy Brands, President and Founder, Trevor Crotts, uses his expertise in employing advanced technology to increase consumer confidence and drive sales of quality products.In this episode, I talk ecommerce with Trevor, who is also involved in the startups Compel Commerce and ScanShop.io. We discuss how targeted marketing and business scale drive positive growth, along with the importance of the ever-expanding role of 3D and AI in the future of ecommerce. As a dog person and business person, I really loved our conversation. Following our time together, Trevor was gracious enough to offer a 25% discount code (Startup25) on Buddy Rest or Natural Doggie products for Startup Competitors listeners.Topics In This EpisodeUsing eBay as a tool to learn the moving parts of ecommerceThe trends and future of ecommerce, especially coming out of CovidCompeting with the large juggernauts in your business space by smartly leveraging ecommerceThe future of 3D model creation and AI for use in ecommerce and augmented reality (enhance shopper experience, increase conversion rates, and decrease returns)Responding to knock-offs and direct competitors that crop upHow Buddy Brands has taken on diversification of their brand and product linesContact InfoWant to try any Buddy Rest or Natural Doggie products? Use the code Startup25 to save 25%!Website: buddybrands.pet Email: service@buddybrands.co Phone: (888) 674-1710Buddy Brands (company) LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/buddypetbrands Trevor Crotts LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/trevor-crottsContact Buddy Brands: buddybrands.pet/home

Unicorn Venture Partners specializes in pre-seeds and Series A investments. Their two verticals are mainly the technology space and consumer space. Because Unicorn Venture Partners has no LPs (limited partnerships), how they operate, the massive success they’ve had, and how they’ve grown since 2018 sets them apart.In this episode, I talk with Jonathan Hung, Co-Managing Partner of Unicorn Venture Partners. We discuss the experience diversity superpower of the three founding partners and how that has impacted their success. We explore valuable concepts like “watch the blind side”, the ‘business emergency contacts’ litmus test, and cash cow business structures. In particular, I found the tips Jonathan shares regarding successful investment pitching to be (potentially) worth millions.Topics In This EpisodeStructuring the leadership team without VPsThe importance of writing investment memos, even though only three people read themLooking at a business team and leadership as perhaps the most important success indicatorHow Unicorn leverages both itself and the other separate entities of each of its foundersBalancing Unicorn Venture Partners with the demands of Johnathan’s various ventures.Why business owners should be selective, even if they need investment funds. Is this someone you’d have as your business emergency contact?Rethinking and reinventing cash cow businesses to increase revenue and scaleTips from Jonathan on how to successfully secure capitalContact InfoWebsite: unicornvp.com Email: jon@unicornvp.com Unicorn Venture Partners (company) LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/unicorn-venture-partners/about Jonathan Hung LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jonathanhung Contact Unicorn Venture Partners: unicornvp.com/contact-usContact Jonanthan directly for investment pitches, to read his blog, and more: jonathanhung.com

Capbase is a compliance platform designed to manage information and paperwork typically needed for a startup. It includes corporation, payroll, funds raising, document signing, compliance and government filings, and much more. It was started by Co-Founders Stefan Nagey and Greg Miaskiewicz, who both have founded and sold other companies.In this episode, Stefan Nagey shares how Capbase was inspired by the mistakes and pain points he and Greg experienced. They wanted to help other startups avoid the time and money losses they’d suffered. I found it compelling to hear how Capbase smoothed and combined so many separate processes. They’ve pulled together the tools they once needed most, creating a virtual and viable company that’s growing.Topics In This EpisodeEntirely virtual, Capbase employs people from all over the globeWhy and how they jumped into such a tight marketDifferentiating themselves from any competitorsBuilding integrations: current and future, including partnershipsDeciding on costs and passing along revenue to clientsLeveraging quality content to drive marketingEvaluating sales retention through client milestonesHow Capbase finds their employeesWays Stefan and Greg divide up their co-founder responsibilitiesContact InfoWebsite: capbase.comEmail: info@capbase.com Capbase (company) LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/capbaseStefan Nagey LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stefannagey Contact Stefan directly: capbase.com, click the blue and white Intercom Chat Box

Avestor provides real estate investing made simple. It allows the average person to build their own custom real estate platform, using a range of prequalified investments. Despite the uncertainty of the economy during Covid, they went fully live in 2020. And it paid off. Their commitment and growth actually shaped the company in positive ways, despite the restrictions Covid created.These surprising positives made the conversation with Sanjay Vora, Co-Founder of Avestor, super interesting. I was especially compelled by their approach to their customer road map, and how it offers clients control over their investment portfolios. I also found their year-long pilot program, their productivity during Covid, and how they leverage partner platforms valuable. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, and come away with some ideas for your own startup and business growth.Topics In This EpisodeHow Avestor leverages partner platforms and pre-investmentsAvestor’s growth so far, closed deals, and planned platform improvementsWho are Avestor’s current competitors? Will competition increase in the future?How Avestor is taking advantage of the current climate in real estateHow they are positioning for anticipated client load increaseThe personal motivations to create AvestorWhat’s next on their customer road mapHow Covid solidified virtual processes and helped overcome investor discomfort Overcoming their biggest launch hurdlePreparing for their biggest growth hurdle: scalingContact InfoWebsite: avestorinc.comEmail: sanjay@averstorinc.com Avestor (company) LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/avestor-inc/Sanjay Vora LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sanjayvora/

Observa combines human observation with artificial intelligence to compile accurate retail marketing data. They compare what a client’s marketing spend (trade spend) is supposed to be getting them to what is actually happening in-store. With a human force of over 275,000 in-store observers, and the technology to turn raw information into usable marketing data, Observa is addressing one of the biggest problems in retail.Whenever a company generates the opportunity to make themselves that indispensable, I want to learn what they are doing and how they do it! That’s why I was excited to talk with Co-Founder and CEO, Hugh Holman, about Observa. I asked him how they built their client base and observer force, how they are leveraging AI and incorporating emerging technologies, and much more. I really enjoyed this conversation. In particular, I loved the story he shared about the early days, when he would personally fly to locations to fulfill service promises. I hope it inspires your business journey, too.Topics In This EpisodeMeeting the needs of clients throughout the U.S. and CanadaThe journey from personally fulfilling client needs to having an observer force of over 275,000Scaling using AI for some of the necessary (previously human) workWho are Observa’s competitors? What are they disrupting in the current retail services market?Future AI expansion: incorporating emerging technologies such as bots and dronesLanding client contracts: offering subscription-based services and finding innovative ways to lower price pointsRetooling and customizing for clients to meet unique goalsHow COVID impacted ObservaContact InfoWebsite: observanow.comEmail: sales@observanow.comObserva (company) LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/observa/Hugh Holman LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hughholman/

Lloyd is a career navigation business with a human touch. It’s based on the premise that people both want and need additional structure and accountability in their careers, especially as they grow. I chatted with Co-Founder and CEO, Dan Gusz, about the current beta phase of Lloyd and how they plan to scale going forward. We also discussed how Lloyd is approaching product development and the features they plan to implement in the product road map. I enjoyed the conversation immensely and if you are early in your business or career, I think you will find this episode particularly helpful. Topics In This EpisodeUsing data in the area of behavior science to build a viable productHow Lloyd combines accessible technology with a human coachWhat they have learned from the beta testingCustomer acquisition strategyWho are Lloyd’s competitors in the career coaching spaceLooking at how they can implement personalized coaching at various levels of career goalsPreparing for growth and future competitionThe role of behavior science and behavior economics as technology increasesContact InfoWebsite: withlloyd.comLloyd (company) LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/withlloydDan Gusz LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dan-gusz

Appsurify is the tester for testers. Its plugin is compatible with existing software test environments, and provides the immediate feedback developers constantly need. Whenever software changes are implemented, it isolates the proper and necessary subset of tests to run. With Appsurify, any organization utilizing software development can quickly improve their system. This competitive edge allows them to ship faster, get to market faster, have fewer defects, and much more.Fully bootstrapped, Co-Founder and CEO, Johnston Harris says Appsurify has already generated a healthy dose of interest. And they have a potentially unlimited customer base. Their software can help almost any business -- ranging from small Mom and Pop ventures to huge Fortune 500 enterprises. With a product wielding such widely applicable prowess, I was eager to learn all about Appsurify’s business model.Topics In This EpisodeIsolating pain points to build a proper solutionCreating exponential value by saving time and pinpointing needed changeDeveloping an environment where automated testing and manual testing work hand in handManaging risk by flagging high risk changes, as well as mapping fragility and failuresOffering a lower barrier to entry to increase customer awareness and advocacyIdentifying Appsurify’s current competitors and highlighting how Appsurify is superiorProviding flexible compatibility and integration to serve a wide range of customersImplementing via self serve or personalized help: why offering both is workingRunning numbers to prove ROI and convert salesContact InfoWebsite: appsurify.comEmail: sales@appsurify.comContact form: appsurify.com/contactPhone: 650.402.1400Appsurify LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/appsurifyJohnston Harris LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnston-harris-5051b332

ProBook is the all-in-one platform for any sports team. It streamlines team management by integrating the Five Pillars of coaching excellence. This includes tracking and fostering athlete development and team culture by centralizing social media, events, profiles, nutrition, film, schedules, communication, and much more. However, ProBook has a huge competitor - the gorilla in that space... so how are they wedging themselves in? I discussed their early success and future plans with founder and CEO, Andre Harakas. He outlined how ProBook is positioning their platform to outperform and displace their main competition. He discussed targeting their message via social media and coach ambassadors, and the status of their beta launch. We even talked about how they are already looking to future integration, including AI. Topics In This EpisodeOffering flexibility to enter the market: replacement of main competitor OR as a companionStrategic partnership development, including celebrity athletesHow are they gaining market share? Why price point and targeting smaller teams worksWhite glove customer service: building relationships, networking, and the value of ‘who you know’What swag are they using?Andre shares how detailed meeting notes and a Google Form helped their product roadmapFreemium model coming soon - expanding market reachNearly free advertising: offering sporting events and clinicsPlans for AI and emerging tech improvementsIntegration versus Self-Build: How does ProBook plan to position itself as it grows?Contact InfoWebsite: probooksport.comEmail: probookteam@gmail.comContact form: probooksport.com/contactPhone: 317.658.4590Twitter: twitter.com/ProBookSportsInstagram: instagram.com/probooksports/

Forecasting for your business using outdated, clunky software slows your business and it eats up time you could spend on action items to grow. Forecastr fixes that pain point. It’s an online software platform that helps founders build great financial models, so they can make better decisions, impress investors, and get funded. Through Forecastr, you can quickly see your current revenue streams, expected growth, expenses and more -- so you can focus on the areas that need your attention the most.Because what they do is so timely for Startup Competitors, CEO and co-founder, Logan Burchett, and I went through the Forecastr platform together. He showed me how it works, what forecasting it does automatically, and how it can help keep my business on track. I even recorded a video stream, too, so you can follow along. To find out more about Forecastr, or to schedule a meeting with their team, go to their website at: https://www.forecastr.co/.Topics In This EpisodeRevenue streams and formulaChoose from multiple revenue types to populate suggested applicable fieldsInput data such as start date, customer / subscriber numbers, moreForecast monthly / yearly growth based on input percentage or estimationsCustomer acquisition funnels and planningRetain subscriptions, churn rate, moreQuantify acquisition costs (such as advertising); identify unprofitable campaignsForecast base income and customer retention to identify needed focusesEstimate time frame for profitability (investors want to know this!)Input and remove brainstormed strategies to determine best courses of actionHiring, outsourcing / contract laborInput budget impact, track costsIdentify future needs to plan aheadAdditional financialsHosting, taxes, fees, etc.Revenue shares, profit distribution, salaries for executivesThe Dashboard -- Gives solid numbers toHighlight goalsTrack expectations and achievementsPinpoint areas that need attentionContact InfoWebsite: forecastr.coEmail: Logan@forecastr.coLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/forecastr

We all know a data breach can crush a small or medium-sized business. PrettyFluid Technologies protects businesses by taking the liability and security of customer data off the company and placing it back in the hands of their customers. With a truly first-to-market concept, Zentinel™, their SAS platform, is so needed, they easily pre-sold it before build. Of course, I was eager to find out how that happened. And even more eager when I learned that the bootstrapped company has also received numerous unsolicited inquiries for partnerships and investments! Fortunately for me (and my audience), Christopher Perry III, Co-Founder and CEO of PrettyFluid, was kind enough to answer my numerous questions. He covers how their solution protects both businesses and customers, how they went from concept to paying clients, why larger companies are already interested in potential partnerships, and more.Topics In This EpisodeRemoving the cost burden and liability of data security for small and medium businessesHow they pre-sold their product before buildAdditional revenue streams potential: end-user monetizationDesigned to build trust with customers versus operations that assume trustThe power of third party consultants, outside advisors, and credibility by extensionExpecting competition: How much of a head-start does PrettyFluid have?Does this alter how companies gather customer information?Their parking lot of prioritized ideas and roadmap for ongoing innovation and implementationReceiving unsolicited inquiries for potential partnerships and investmentsContact InfoPrettyFluid Technologiesprettyfluid.comprettyfluidtechnologies.comChristopher Perry III, Co-Founder and CEOLinkedIncperry@prettyfluid.comprettyfluidtechnologies.com/contact/Zentinel™