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
Report: Kansas City is the best locale for Millennial entrepreneurs
Overflowing with business resources, an affordable cost of living and a collaborative community of creatives, Kansas City recently was named the top U.S. destination for Millennial entrepreneurs. Thumbtack.com — a platform for customers to find various contract professionals in their area — named Kansas City, Missouri, as the best city for entrepreneurs born between 1980…
Solar-powered wearable Eclipse Rx puts sundown on skin cancer exposure
A doctor’s startup, Eclipse Rx, hopes to make skin cancer history. The Kansas City-based company, plans to release a solar-powered, sun-monitoring wearable this summer that will provide users with information about the level of sun they are receiving and how to prevent injury. The wearable communicates with a phone that will send alerts and information,…
IXKC: Racial bias conversation puts white faces in an awkward spot — the minority
Editor’s note: Check out photos from this event below the story. White people have to understand that they’ll never understand, said Lora McDonald. “White people only have to be ‘white’ when they’re in a room with other races. When they aren’t, they get to be individuals, not just a monolithic group,” she told a diverse…
Dimensional Innovations scores with massive Target Center design overhaul
Amid the hustle of a Minnesota Timberwolves game, fans peer through a glass floor at passersby in a lobby below. Looking up, a giant, neon-colored basketball sculpture looms overhead. It’s a moment created for curiosity and connection — designed by Overland Park’s Dimensional Innovations. Extending through multiple floors of the four-story Target Center in Minneapolis,…