Startup Profile - San Francisco's Reesio

Have you ever purchased a property and thought to yourself "Geez, is this paperwork ever going to end?" Have you ever sold property and questioned why on earth the purchaser's agent was taking so long to get the appropriate paperwork back to your agent? Well, question no more.

Thanks to San Francisco's Reesio, the time-sucking process of real estate paperwork processing is now a whole lot easier to handle. Instead of waiting for the back and forth phone calls in between agents, with Reesio at their service, everyone involved can immediately see how far along the paperwork has progressed. Selling agents, buying agents, broker agencies, and clients can all instantly see how much of the necessary paperwork has been completed. During each step of the process all parties involved are able to view the transaction paperwork trail and know exactly how much of the deal has been completed. Instead of waiting on pins and needles for the final word that a deal has been completed, each party involved knows exactly how much of the deal is done.

Makes total sense, right? Instead of having the entire real estate process play out like a secretive, behind-closed-doors chess game, all parties involved know exactly how the match is progressing. No more wondering if the home inspection has been completed. No more wondering if the lending agency has reviewed and signed off on the loan details. Reesio's transaction management service makes real estate merry-go-round watching a thing of the past.

Reesio's SAAS system is just the kick in the pants the real estate industry needs. Intuitive, easy to use, and pretty much fool-proof, Reesio's cloud-based software makes real estate transaction tracking clear, customizable, and collaborative. The specifics of each transaction can be customized to the needs of each buyer and seller. Don't need a termite inspection report completed? No problem; simply remove that report via the Reesio dashboard. Need a roof inspection report submitted by a certified home inspector? Yup, you can request that of the seller's agent via Reesio. Each step of the process can be documented and digitally signed with Reesio at your service.

It is no wonder that Reesio is so easy to use and follow. Reesio's Co-founder Mark Thomas is a licensed real estate broker (California) and startup veteran. Not only is he one quarter of the team behind Reesio, he has also successfully built a number of other ventures including Saygent and Thomas Executive Resources. When you combine his talent and tenacity with the experience and expertise of Reesio team members Uyen Tran, Jonathan Mui, and John Irving Dulay, it is easy to understand how Reesio has zeroed in on exactly what real estate agents need to simplify the paperwork process.

The Reesio team have built a product so specific to the needs of real estate agents that Reesio had to develop a brokers edition in order to meet the constant requests for a brokers version of the Reesio workflow solution. Launched in April 2013, the broker specific edition of Reesio allows broker agencies to manage and monitor the workflow of multiple agents, assign tasks as needed, monitor brokerage activity feeds, and stay on top of each transaction from the cloud. Reesio is even working on a new addition to their service that will allow agents and brokers to view/respond/accept offers in the cloud. When it comes to simplifying and streamlining the agent/brokerage/client process, it really doesn't get much clearer than Reesio. While there are other contenders in this space (Cartavi and Dotloop), Reesio's 24/7 customer support (including webinar training if desired), deep industry knowledge, and visual vivaciousness sets them apart. Combine the ease of Facebook's Timeline with Pinterest's easy on the eyes arrangement and you have Reesio's software as a solution in a nutshell.

It isn't only agents and brokers that have taken a liking to Reesio. Reesio is only one of two real estate specific startups invited to join 500Startups' Spring 2013 Accelerator Program. Combined with the success of Reesio's RealTech SF 2013 (real estate + technology = startup summit extraordinaire ), Reesio appears to be on track to be yet another unadulterated 500Startups success story. With over 100K in angel investments already, Reesio hopes to close a large seed round before summer's end.

Whether you are a real estate purchaser or seller, an agent or broker, startup watcher or investor, keeping an eye on Reesio is highly recommended. When it comes to startups making all the right moves, me thinks Reesio is well on the way to Check, mate!

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Startup Profile - Agency Spotter

Whether you’re a startup founder seeking advice on gaining increased media exposure or a small business owner debating direct mail advertising, choosing a reputable agency can be a time consuming (and tension-filled) task. With so many available options, it can be tough to know where to start. Do you opt for a social media agency simply because they are local and you follow their “guru” on Twitter? Do you choose a national advertising agency because of their existing client list and experience in national campaigns? Whether you’re on the hunt for an advertising, design, digital, or public relations agency, exactly where do you draw the line and determine which agency is best suited for your needs, now and into the future? Thanks to an Atlanta/Boston-based startup, those questions might now be just a tad bit easier to answer. Meet Agency Spotter.

Agency Spotter is the collaborative creation of Brian Regienczuk (CEO) and Joseph Raccuglia (CMO). Buds for 13 years, the team behind Agency Spotter knew how tough the challenge of choosing an agency could be and made it their mission to create a solution. With their combined backgrounds in marketing (Brian - Coca Cola Company, Phillips Electronics and Joseph – American Express, State Street Corp.), this duo knew the agency discovery dilemma well and felt they had the chops to make a difference. With their collective insight into the intricacies of the creative industry, they developed a one-stop platform for both creative agencies and the clients in need of their services.

Think of Agency Spotter like a search engine with detailed accuracy built into the algorithm. Do you need a small advertising agency that specializes in branding, graphic design, and social media in the New York area when your budget is less than $100K? You can specify exactly that on Agency Spotter. Do you have a big budget to spend on mobile advertising and are looking for a large public relations marketing firm in L.A. able to handle your million-dollar account? Yup, you can find that too. The Agency Spotter dashboard allows you to specify EXACTLY what you’re looking for and how much you’re hoping to spend. Input your data and you’re instantly greeted with multiple profiles of agencies that just might be suitable to your needs. Rather than spend countless hours lost in the catacombs of traditional search engines, Agency Spotter cuts through SEO’d and back-linked clutter and simply delivers the goods. Period. If you are looking for an agency with real-world experience and a proven track record, you can find exactly that on Agency Spotter.

Registering your agency on Agency Spotter comes with a variety of perks. All agencies can strut their stuff by explaining why they’re unique, showing client lists and work samples, and highlighting their top talent. Depending upon the subscription plan chosen, agencies can get expanded exposure to a targeted and motivated audience across the site. Premium plans also give agencies access to lead analytics and performance tracking. From an agency standpoint, Agency Spotter is a no-brainer. Instead of trying to land clients like a singleton at a singles bar, Agency Spotter offers a speed dating solution. Qualified prospects and agency-hungry clients all in one spot; doesn’t get much simpler than that, right?

As a startup, Agency Spotter has achieved a number of milestones already. After officially launching their private beta at TechCrunch Disrupt NY 2012, Agency Spotter was highlighted as one of SEJ’s Top 10 SEO Startups of 2012, presented their pitch at Startup Riot in Atlanta, and just recently announced their Advisory Board. Since launch, they have been steadily adding agencies to the site, many by request from past clients and agencies themselves.

Whether you’re a creative agency on the hunt for additional clients or a business owner in need of marketing magic, discover Agency Spotter for yourself. Think you’ll enjoy the deep dive inside Agency Spotter as much as I did.

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Startup Profile - Toronto's Thumble

Do you tweet pics of you and your buds out on the town? Do you Instagram shots of the restaurant meals you're enjoying or the resort spas you're staying at? What if you could earn rewards from the businesses you are already promoting via your social sharing? Thanks to Toronto's Thumble App, now you can.

Thumble App is the work of Clayton Eu (Varicent Software) and Ricky Fung (Chronic Ink/Ideal Rubber). Incubated by Ryerson University's Digital Media Zone, Thumble released their iOS app into the iTunes store on April 29th. I know, right about now you're probably saying "seriously, do I really need to add another photo sharing app to my phone?" but hold that thought for just a moment. Remember the recent kerfuffle over the whole "we own your uploaded/socially shared images and we just might want to use them for advertising purposes" fiasco? Or the numerous times you've downloaded an app only to be force fed ads simply because the app you downloaded was "free"? Well that's where Thumble takes a different approach. Thumble values your privacy and your participation; it's even in their mission statement. Their "consent and compensation" model means that they won't force ads on you and you'll be rewarded for interacting with the businesses partnering with Thumble (Uber Toronto has already connected with Thumble - Go Leafs!). Rather than relying on push ads or "sell your data" tactics, Thumble's plan is simple; they make money from partnering with businesses and users earn rewards for promoting those businesses. From discounted Uber rides to early access to events, numerous rewards are available to Thumble users. Fresh out of the starting gates, Thumble users are currently only able to earn rewards from Toronto area businesses. As word of Thumble spreads, look for more partnerships and promotion options.

If sharing for schwag isn't your thing, chances are you'll find plenty more to enjoy with Thumble. You can collect images by theme (Thumble uses a / rather than a #), add images to the now trending collection, and even compete for badges amongst your fellow Thumblers. Thumble gives you the best of multiple platforms. You can socially share your images (like Instagram), upload pics from locations you visit (like FourSquare), let your friends know what you're up to (like Facebook), and yet you have the opportunity to be rewarded for all of that sharing. Makes sense, right? Check out Thumble for yourself and stay tuned for more and more reward opportunities as Thumble grows.

There's plenty of startup success coming out of DMZ. Check out fellow DMZ success story Moonrider here.

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Startup Profile - Charlotte, NC's Punch.In

Is your workforce constantly on the move? Do you find yourself struggling to coordinate team member activity based upon location, task, or even time zone? What if there was a way for your entire team to stay in constant virtual contact with each other without having to pick up the phone and potentially interrupt a fellow team member? Thanks to Charlotte, NC’s Punch Technologies, there is. Meet startup Punch.In.

Punch.In is an all-in-one business check-in/communication/monitoring system. Via the Punch.In system, team members can clock in (and out) at work locations, update their work status data, communicate with fellow team members via text, voice, or virtual Post-It style notes, and coordinate workflow on an ongoing basis. Punch.In offers employers and employees the ability to group chat or one-on-one message throughout the day. Pre-set location check-ins can even be arranged via the system’s Punch Central command center. Whether your team is flying across the country (or around the globe), commuting across town, or visiting customers on sales calls, your entire workforce can stay in constant contact via the Punch.In platform. Need to be unavailable while in a meeting? Simply log out of Punch.In or set your status accordingly. Everyone on your team will know you are not available for communication. Are you attending a conference? Need to communicate presentation data back to your team? Instantly transmit pertinent information back to the necessary parties via Punch.In. On a sales call and need to confirm inventory prior to guaranteeing delivery? A quick instant message conversation on Punch.In is all that it will take. Billed as a “private, social collaboration platform,” Punch.In enables both mobile and virtual workforces to coordinate workflow regardless of location or time zone.

Punch Technologies’ team has in-depth knowledge within this space. CEO Gregory Artzt (BA, Computer Science, Cornell) previously founded General Sentiment and Indavest Ventures. COO Carole Tobias (MS, Instructional Media and Information Technology, Appalachian State), was previously Director of IT at Pike Electric. Vice President of App Development Anil Gupta (BSc, Mechanical Engineering, University of Calgary), was previously Senior Mobile Engineer at Pike Electric. Creative Director Mark Iafrate (BA, Economics, Davidson College), was previously Lead Designer and Creative Director at General Sentiment. Talk about having the right team for the job.

In private beta testing with over 20 businesses and 200+ users, Punch.In launched into public beta on April 18, 2013 with the launch of version 2.0.2 of their iOS app in the iTunes store. (Did I mention it is currently a FREE download?) With an initial goal of reaching 10,000 users, Punch.In hopes to become the gold standard for enterprise check-in and mobile collaboration users.

The startup scene in Charlotte, NC is definitely heating up. While fellow Charlotte startups like Kyck and AddShoppers have received plenty of media attention, there are up-and-comers making moves too. With startups ranging from e-commerce to financial services, the future is looking bright for Charlotte’s emerging startup scene. Punch Technologies is doing their part to ensure that the Charlotte startup scene continues to grow and flourish. By allowing companies to connect and manage their mobile and virtual workforces, Punch.In offers businesses real time workforce visibility, shared workflow management, and cohesive communication capabilities. As workforces become more and more mobile, the timing is spot-on for Punch.In. FourSquare for the enterprise: it is here now and its name is Punch.In.

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In the Spotlight - Guitar Startups to Discover

Are you an investor wanting to expand your portfolio? A startup luvin geek like myself who enjoys discovering new apps, tech toys, and innovative companies? One interesting niche to explore is the variety of startups within the guitar industry. From entrepreneurs creating virtual guitar instructors to innovative thinkers building guitars out of unexpected materials, there are numerous startups within this intriguing space. Following are a few guitar startups that just might fill your "sound hole".

Bohemian Guitars is a startup based out of Atlanta, GA. Brothers Shaun Lee and Adam Lee have teamed up with Josh Kirsch and Mark Friedman to build an innovative company featuring guitars made from quirky items like oil cans. Not only do their guitars have a stop them in their tracks way cool factor, their company also gives back to the music community. A percentage of all guitar sales goes towards donating instruments to community organizations and schools in an effort to promote music education for youth. A meander through the Bohemian website will introduce you to musical treats like a guitar made from a vintage Texaco oil can as well as a PacMan metal lunch pail guitar. Even if you never play a lick on your Bohemian guitar, just think what a conversation piece one of these beauties would be displayed in your home or office.

Billed as the "Tesla of guitars", Denver's Viktorian Guitars takes guitar building in a completely different direction than Bohemian Guitars. Creating exquisite carbon fiber music masterpieces, Viktorian Guitars' team includes Josh Jacobson, Diego Grinfeld, Dan Orr, and Master Luthier Boaz Elkayam. Whether you dream of becoming a guitar virtuoso or you simply enjoy discovering musical eye candy, the delectable designs of Viktorian will stir your lust for craftsmanship and impeccable design standards.

Based out of Austin, TX, Moniker Guitars is another musical startup worth discovering. Moniker lets users create their own custom guitars online. From the shape of the guitar to the color and graphics, each component of a Moniker guitar is completely customizable. Want your band's name emblazoned on your guitar? Moniker can do that. Want flames decorating your new musical masterpiece? Yup, Moniker will do that too. If you can dream it, chances are good that Moniker can make it happen. The Moniker team includes Dave Barry, Kevin Tully, and Seth Black. This talented trio can assist you in the design process, build your baby to your specifications, and have your sweet and sultry lady in your hands in no time. Built in Austin and shipped to your door, Moniker Guitars leave no design element uncovered.

Another intriguing startup within this niche is NYC's Instinct. Founded by Blake Jennelle and Brian Stoner, Instinct offers users virtual guitar lessons on their own terms. Perfect for beginners, and yet appropriate for more advanced guitarists too, Instinct allows users to practice everything from finger/fret placement to chords and riffs. Available as a web app, Instinct requires nothing more than a guitar and a willingness to learn. Don't have your own guitar but want to learn how to play anyways? That's okay; Instinct offers the option of a virtual guitar too. Whether you're a closet air guitarist wanting to take your riffs to the next level, or a parent wanting to introduce your child to the magic of musicianship, discovering Instinct is one of those finds you're not likely to regret.

These are just some of the unique guitar businesses being built by innovative entrepreneurs. From software to design technology, these guitar startups offer plenty of delightful discovery options. Explore them for yourself; you may just unlock your inner Elvis.

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Startup Spotlight - Is Alberta Home to the Next Startup Gold Rush?

Looking for your next startup investment but unsure as to where you want to invest your capital? Could be that your next investment opportunity awaits you in Alberta, Canada. While British Columbia and Ontario receive the lion's share of attention for startup stars, Alberta is definitely no slouch in the up-and-coming department. From wine to robots, the diversity of startups making moves in Alberta is as vast as the Alberta terrain. Which of the following startups have you yet to discover?

If impressing your family and friends with your very own personal robot sounds like something you would enjoy, then Calgary's EZ Robot might just be a startup to your liking. EZ Robot delivers robotic hardware and software, allowing end users to enjoy their own version of R2D2 in their very own homes (or businesses). Founded by Canadian roboticist DJ Sures, EZ Robot just might be one of Alberta's coolest (or geekiest) startups. Discover all of your EZ Robot options (including investment opportunities) here.

If investing in robots is not your thing, perhaps wine is more to your "taste". Another hot startup out of Calgary is BlackSquare. Founded by Matthew Protti and David Gluzman, BlackSquare creates e-commerce solutions for the wine industry. With everything from branded templates to customer management and inventory control, BlackSquare's Blackboxx is an all-encompassing e-commerce solution. Discover BlackSquare for yourself, including meeting their very own canine (or should that be canwine?), Jake the Dog. He even has his own Twitter page.

Another Alberta startup to keep on your radar is Edmonton's Stormboard. Stormboard presented their product at Jason Calacanis' Launch 2013 and was also featured by PandoDaily during their time at Launch 2013. Stormboard is a collaboration tool, allowing users from around the globe to collaborate in real time on an online whiteboard. Contributing everything from movable sticky notes to videos and images, Stormboard allows users to interact on projects without ever having to leave their offices or jump on a plane. Talk about travel savings. If you are looking for a collaboration tool to add to your business, taking the Stormboard tour is highly recommended.

These startups are just a tiny sampling of the innovative companies making waves within Alberta's business economy. When you factor in Canada's new Startup Visa, could it be that Alberta is seeing the beginning of yet another gold rush as tech companies set up shop? Only time will tell, but me thinks this is just the beginning of the startup stars we'll see coming out of Alberta. Stay tuned...

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