Like years past, Austin welcomed more than few new startups to its tech ecosystem in 2017. Here’s a look back at some of the more unique newcomers we highlighted this year.
Inspired by TOMS “One for One” shoe donation model, Get Wagging launched in early 2017 to offer monthly designer, handcrafted dog collars through a monthly subscription. When done with the collar, dog owners can send their gently used collars back to the company through prepaid shipping to donate it to a dog in need.
For groups traveling internationally, one of the biggest challenges that can arise is how to keep everyone connected and up to date with plans. TripLoop hopes to make global group travel less stressful through an app powered by BlueTooth technology. Its app, which functions offline, includes a closed-group chat function, real-time map locator and interactive itineraries to keep the group in the loop.
Unchained Capital introduced itself to Austin after a year operating in private beta. CEO and co-founder Joseph Kelly launched the fintech startup alongside a team of startup veterans to offer up to $1 million in cash loans using bitcoins as collateral. This setup offers a unique opportunity for holders to use their bitcoins and achieve liquidity without sacrificing ownership.
Get Involved launched this year offering nonprofit organizations branded, crowdfunding campaign software that integrates directly with organizations’ websites. Its platform helps nonprofits and their supporters fundraise, recruit volunteers and track progress without using third-party applications. Founder and CEO Carol O’Brien, who worked with nonprofits for several years before starting Get Involved, said one of the industry’s biggest headaches is keeping up with supporter-launched fundraising campaigns not linked to the organization itself.
The age of the press release may be nearing its end. In anticipation of that moment, Austin-based PR firm Hahn Public launched Newsology in June to help brands build digital newsrooms. Its platform and services include reviews of current editorial campaigns; the design, construction and deployment of a digital newsroom; content execution strategies; and performance tracking.
While online dating has grown in popularity, so have bad user habits. To slow people down from mechanically swiping right in the hopes of landing a match, LUCK launched in September to get people to think before swiping. The dating app includes a multiple swipe system that encourages users to indicate upfront whether they are looking for something serious or something casual. The app also features word puzzles that remove key letters from its in-app chat keyboard, forcing people to think of ways to engage that go beyond, “Hey, what’s up?”
Founded in 2017, Artarys hopes to put the “starving artist” stereotype to rest. Co-founders Aaron Handwerker and Brian Delano are developing an online platform where artists, sellers and buyers can buy and sell artwork. The goal is to make it easier for art enthusiasts to discover and purchase new artwork — while helping the artists get paid for their pieces.
