1MC Recap: PerfectCube, Mission Academy help customers take action
July 8, 2015 | Abby Tillman
Two local startups took the 1 Million Cups stage to discuss their solutions — each with a goal of helping their customers take action.
PerfectCube started the entrepreneurial program by presenting their data analytics web tool designed for small retail stores and franchise systems.
“We’ve pivoted a half dozen times on what we offer,” said PerfectCube founder Jim Starcev. “But we’ve always stuck with the same market — the small retail market. … We’re wanting to help those companies compete on a larger scale.”
The company’s tool focuses on actionable data, more so than big data, Starcev said. PerfectCube aims to help small retail stores gain insights on their customers so they can take steps to maximize their business.
PerfectCube has built out an initial version of their web-based tool, and is now working on its next iteration. The company hopes to launch version two during the fourth quarter of this year, and secure paying customers at that time.
The startup has also closed an initial round of seed funding, and is currently looking to expand their team, adding a developer and data scientist.
Mission Academy, an online educational platform for missionaries, followed PerfectCube’s presentation. Mission Academy’s platform will provide how-to videos, resources, webinars and online courses to missionaries preparing for mission trips. The resources will be made available in order to help volunteers take appropriate action to plan for and be successful in their work.
“There is a lack of resources out there for missionaries,” said Mission Academy founder Sam Werner. “We’re going to solve this problem — the headaches and the heartaches that missionaries go through.”
Currently Werner is considering a subscription model for the platform, charging between $20 and $30 per month for access to the website’s resources, including help from travel agents and insurance agents who understand the mission field.
Missions Academy is still under development, but Werner stated that he hopes to launch in the fall and is already marketing the concept to missionaries.
2015 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
KC’s FairWave coffee pours into the Carolinas with latest small-batch roaster acquisition
Joining Midwest-based coffee collective FairWave gives Black & White Coffee Roasters access to the enhanced equipment, resources and network needed to scale the North Carolina business to its potential — while staying true to its values, said Kyle Ramage. “It’s a natural progression that will allow us to build upon our existing foundation and reach…
DoorDash Accelerator opens applications to local businesses through KCMO partnership
Independently-owned brick-and-mortar businesses — think restaurants, flower shops, mom-and-pop supermarkets, and more across Kansas City — that partner with DoorDash for deliveries can now apply to join a new-to-KC entrepreneur-focused accelerator, Quinton Lucas announced Wednesday. Up to 10 local businesses are expected to be selected to receive mentorship, professional programming, and funding through the accelerator.…
Meet the winners: Pitch Black competition rewards founders’ vision with $60K in prizes
Founder Godfrey Riddle was overwhelmed with emotion Saturday, he said, after accepting the $30,000 grand prize at the Pitch Black Business Summit — a game-changing development for his sustainable, affordable housing venture, Civic Saint. “I’m feeling phenomenal. Shocked, relieved — just elated,” said Riddle, following the announcement of his win. “It’s crazy because when you…
This young baker tore up the instructions for starting a business (but kept all the best recipes)
Overland Park cookie shop gets a new baker behind the counter, adding a frosted twist to familiar favorites She learned to bake as a child by her grandmother’s side. So by middle school, Maddie Callicott was so proficient she not only held popular bake sales, she printed up business cards for her “You Take the…