Fund Me, KC: WISE IoT tech aims to lower energy bills, decrease carbon footprint
May 7, 2018 | Startland Staff
Editor’s note: Startland News is continuing its “Fund Me, KC” feature to highlight area entrepreneurial efforts to accelerate businesses or projects. If you or your startup is running a crowdfunding campaign, let us know by contacting news@startlandnews.com. Today’s featured campaign is from Kansas City-based Wise Power Inc.
Who are you?
Kevin Williams
My name is Kevin Williams and I’m the founder of Wise Power, Inc. (WISE) – Where the Internet of Things meets Energy Storage.
Prior to starting WISE, I founded an IT company called WillCo Technologies that created custom software. We developed a cybersecurity workforce compliance program for the U.S. Department of Defense. We started with 1,000 users in 2006 and grew to over 1.6 million users when I sold the company in 2017 to focus on WISE.
What Does WISE do?
WISE is an intelligent energy storage and Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled lifestyle management startup. WISE technology combines the IoT with energy storage, thus allowing people to store energy to power their homes and businesses as well as to manage and automate their energy usage according to their lifestyle and business needs. It’s totally unique because it also allows users to easily integrate, monitor, and control smart appliances and devices through a smartphone, tablet or computer. The resulting benefits include lower energy bills, greater lifestyle convenience and business efficiency, and a decreased carbon footprint.
WISE products rely on patented technology including a WISE Controller, Patent No: US 9,559,522, and a WISE Power On Demand (WISE POD) system, Patent No: US 9,348,384. The WISE business model works through a nationwide network of WISE Certified Distributors who sell, install and maintain WISE technology.
How much do you hope to raise?
Our goal was just increased from $107,000. We have completed a required legal and financial review that would allow us to raise as much as $1,070,000 through StartEngine. Our intent is to raise a minimum of $300,000 to implement our go-to-market strategy.
What do you plan to use the funds for?
The capital will be used for continued product development of the energy storage units and the mass-market production of the IoT units. Funds will also pay to brand and position our solution in the marketplace.
How are you differentiating your campaign?
We are using a variety of advertising and marketing avenues. We have social media friends and followers on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat. We are also looking to budget advertising dollars on social media campaigns.
What’s some advice you have to others launching a crowdfunding campaign?
There are several crowdfunding platforms. Do the research and find the one that best fits your needs. Also, remember to spend time building a great team. Founders often concentrate on building a great product or service, as they should. But devote some time to also building out a great team.
2018 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
More than a makeover: ‘Queer Eye’ gives Wesley Hamilton an opportunity to thank the shooter who put him in a wheelchair
Wesley Hamilton’s clear vision for his potential impact took away the nerves while in front of cameras for Netflix’s “Queer Eye,” he said. “Me being able to get on a show with that type of exposure and spread my message to those within my community and outside of it… I’m just really excited for the…
Sickweather spent 8 years and $100K+ to obtain a patent; Is IP protection worth the cost?
Graham Dodge wanted to check a box for investors seeking security for his crowdsourced sickness forecasting startup Sickweather, he said. Obtaining a patent for the technology, however, proved a tougher task to chart. “We just wanted to protect ourselves to build value in the company,” said Dodge, CEO of Sickweather, as well as Garnish Health,…
RiskGenius announces Series B, partnerships with trio of world’s largest insurance carriers
Customers are pushing for the growth of RiskGenius, a top Kansas City startup providing software-based natural language processing tools for improved quality and accuracy in the insurance industry, said CEO Chris Cheatham. RiskGenius announced Monday an undisclosed Series B round led by Hudson Structured Capital Management Ltd., doing business as HSCM Bermuda. The financing round…
TRNDSTTRS reboots to link companies to new wave of Gen Z consumers
After a period of significant traction that included a merger, TRNDSTTRS Media has returned to Kansas City with a redefined vision and laser focus to better elevate Gen Z in the entrepreneurial and advertising landscape, explained Jake Bjorseth. “We really wanted to take that next step in growth and rather than compete at these lower…