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
Operation Breakthrough bridge over Troost symbolizes ‘real community’ at an intersection
With reflection in his voice, Alvin Brooks paused. “The city has to be a partner,” the Civil Rights activist and veteran Kansas City Police Commissioner said as he spoke of the redevelopment of Troost Avenue — the well known racial dividing line, that has long isolated the east side of the Kansas City metro from the…
Troostapalooza aims to shed the old skin of city’s racial dividing line, says Kemet Coleman
Troostapalooza will build community while constructively addressing the elephant in the room, said Kemet Coleman, organizer of the newly developed street festival. “We wanted to create a home away from home on Troost that is inclusive and sensitive to the historic and existing nuances,” he said. “Not the violent, divisive one that is portrayed by…
Defiant anti-gentrification voice: Clock is ticking on east side neighborhoods, Movement KC
Daniel Edwards isn’t shy about his frustrations with the perception of Kansas City’s east side. “I remember my first corporate lunch after graduating college: the joke was, ‘Nobody wants to go near 35th and Prospect at night time,’” said Edwards, a Kansas City area developer and the founder of Movement KC. “I was like, ‘Yo, it’s…
Fried gator to chicken alfredo: Flavors driving KC Cajun to entrepreneur’s next phase
Kansas City businesses should utilize every resource at their disposal to build stronger brands, said Israel England, owner and operator of KC Cajun. “I’m branching out,” England said with confidence as he detailed his coming venture — adapting his KC Cajun catering service into a food truck. “There is so much more room to improve,…