Entrepreneurship : Innovation + Job News

For a decade, marketing and technology have been racing toward each other, and Minneapolis-based Fision expertly demonstrates the powerful effect that can occur when they finally fuse.
 
The firm, kicked off in 2008 by entrepreneur Mike Brown, provides clients with integrated marketing that boasts high levels of customization and simplicity.
 
For example, a health and beauty manufacturer with 7,000 distributors, retailers, and salons across 24 countries used Fision to create a centralized online marketing asset repository for sales materials. Each location could build digital and print marketing campaigns and deliver a consistent message, no matter where the salon or distributor was in the world.
 
Over the past four years, Fision has built a number of software-as-a-service products that give clients more clout in streamlining their marketing and communications efforts. Customers can choose customized e-mail marketing, social media marketing, digital asset management, business rule configuration, list management, and other services.
 
Recently, the company made a major move into the mobile space as well, by announcing an agreement with 3Cinteractive, a provider of cloud-based enterprise mobile solutions. That partnership should bring more sales and marketing automation across multiple channels, including messaging, smartphone apps, and mobile web.
 
Currently, Fision has 20 employees, but look for that number to increase as marketing automation keeps catching on, notes Fision spokesperson J.T. Williams. "This is a huge area for growth," he says. "The emergence of marketing automation is a major driver for change within enterprises; it really allows them to be much more effective about their marketing efforts."
 
Source: J.T. Williams, Fision
Writer: Elizabeth Millard

Small companies spend a large chunk of time on customer acquisition and supplier management, but it can be tricky to determine if those external contacts will be a boon to business or a drag on the accounting department.
 
Minneapolis-based Argos Risk intends to turn the process into a streamlined, simple strategy that can benefit any company. The firm provides a monthly subscription service that allows enterprises to monitor the ongoing financial health of customers, suppliers, and even competitors.
 
The tactic lets Argos clients manage risk, and also gives them a tool to determine which customers deserve more credit or more sales efforts directed their way. The software-as-service was designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in particular, says co-founder Steven Foster, because companies of that size often lack the resources to do extensive risk management.
 
The Argos "stoplight system" gives users a quick indication of potential credit problems, and an alert system kicks in when a customer or supplier starts heading from yellow to red. Foster says, "We've had very good feedback about the system; people really appreciate how helpful it can be when making decisions about their customers or suppliers."
 
Recently, the company introduced another risk-management tool, but this time it's for the SMBs themselves. Argos Risk Defender monitors a company's credit and issues an alert if problems are cropping up. Company president Lori Frank compares it to LifeLock, the identity-theft prevention tool for individuals.
 
"This is an era when identity theft is the fastest growing crime, and businesses aren't immune--far from it," she says. "We're helping to address the problem, and to help companies that may have been compromised."
 
The company is finding strong traction for its products, and expects strong growth in the year ahead, including hiring in some key positions. "We take a field that's complicated and make it easy for our customers," says Frank. "When you do that, you can always find growth."
 
Sources: Steven Foster and Lori Frank, Argos Risk
Writer: Elizabeth Millard

Minneapolis-based technology firm MentorMate continues on its robust growth track, anticipating more hiring when it moves into new headquarters soon.
 
Started in 2001 by entrepreneur Bjorn Stasvik, the company was founded on a signature app, iQpakk, which allows users to create education and training courses on a mobile device. Later, it rolled out SpyderMate, a web-based SEO application for marketers.
 
Despite a challenging economic climate in the past few years, and slow early adoption of mobile tech, MentorMate found its footing and kept on growing. The company expanded internationally, opening offices in Bulgaria and Costa Rica, and Stasvik notes that MentorMate found even more traction when the iPhone debuted.
 
At the start of 2011, the company had 30 employees, but began this year with 115 employees. Stansvik aimed to increase that number to 200 by the end of 2012, and the move to larger offices should help meet that goal. The company will relocate within Uptown to 3036 Hennepin Ave., occupying space once held by advertising agency mono.
 
"Software is permeating society as a whole," says Stansvik. "We see demand only increasing, and we're in a great position to take advantage of that."
 
The company's success is only partially based on innovation, he adds. Also helpful is filling customer need, and excelling at web marketing. He says, "If you have happy clients, the rest can take care of itself. "
 
Source: Bjorn Stasvik, MentorMate
Writer: Elizabeth Millard

The best breakthrough business idea in Minnesota this year is a mobile application that allows care providers, family members, and loved ones to interact with one another throughout the day.
 
Called PreciouStatus, the app nabbed the top prize at the lively Minnesota Cup competition, beating out over 100 competitors in the high-tech division, and about 1,000 entrepreneurs total. PreciouStatus founder Julie Gilbert-Newrai started the company about a year and a half after her husband was hospitalized with a severe brain hemorrhage when the couple's child was just eight weeks old.
 
"I learned firsthand how difficult communication with loved ones can be during times of crisis," she says. "The more I looked at the system at large, it became obvious how broken it was." She mapped out a tool that could provide real-time updates for those in daycare, eldercare, rehabilitation facilities, schools, and other locations.
 
Using the technology, care providers input updates on activities, medication, mood, and other aspects of care. This allows family members to keep up with what's happening without frequent calls to a facility.
 
This year's Minnesota Cup competition was closely watched, in part because it offered the highest total prize amounts in the Cup's history. One finalist from each division received $25,000 in seed capital ($10,000 in the student division), and runners-up each received $5,000. PreciouStatus will was awarded an additional $40,000 as grand prize winner.
 
"The Minnesota Cup is one venue that tells entrepreneurs to keep going while so many tell you that your business isn't going to work," Gilbert-Newrai says.
 
Source: Julie Gilbert-Newrai, PreciouStatus
Writer: Elizabeth Millard

For parents who want to find toys made in the United States, the search can be challenging, believes Patrick Magnusson, co-founder of a new online retail venture, HomeGrown Kid.
 
"We have a young daughter, and we became aware of how difficult it could be to find toys and other products made here," he says. "Many were made in countries where the safety standards aren't as rigorous as those of the United States, and that was a concern for us."
 
He started the venture with his wife, Nousha, and her brother, with the trio bringing on family friend Bobbi Bohnsack to handle marketing. In addition to offering American-made goods, many of the products on the website are eco-friendly as well. For example, a dump truck from Green Toys, a manufacturer in California, is made from recycled plastic milk containers and is BPA-free. Even the packaging for shipping is constructed of recycled materials.
 
Beyond safety issues, Magnusson and his co-founders have a larger goal of increasing access to American-made products. He says, "We feel that consumers can positively influence the economy by buying products made here. It moves us toward a better future."
 
The site launched in June, and is finding initial traction through word of mouth, he notes. They plan to do a larger marketing push soon, and by next year, hope to have a steady base of sales and predictable growth. Magnusson says that the step after that will be to expand into other areas, like product development.
 
"At the end of the day, we're seeing that the 'Made in the USA' options aren't that numerous, but that's one of the main reasons we started this, to begin the process of doing something about that," he notes. 

Now it's down to 19.
 
The eighth annual Minnesota Cup continues to draw attention in announcing the division finalists, whittling the top contenders down to just three companies in each category. The contest features high tech, bioscience and health IT, clean tech and renewable energy, general, and student divisions. Four contenders are competing in the social entrepreneur category.
 
Finalists include OrthoCor Medical, which proposed ideas for noninvasive therapeutic devices to alleviate pain, and PreciouStatus, a mobile application that allows care providers to interact with patients' family members throughout the day.
 
Division finalists will deliver an eight-minute presentation to a panel of judges, and winners will be announced on August 29. The grand prize will be awarded on Sept. 6 at an event held at the University of Minnesota.
 
This year's competition has been closely watched, in part because it offers the highest total prizes in the Cup's history. One finalist from each division will receive $25,000 in seed capital ($10,000 in the student division), and runners-up each receive $5,000. The grand prize winner will get an additional $40,000.
 
Cup co-founder Scott Litman believes that the contest serves as a catalyst for innovation in the state. He notes that selecting the top ideas is always a challenge, since the Cup draws impressive applicants every year. Those who've won in the past or have been finalists went on to attract significant investment, he adds: "Our track record shows the level of intelligent and inspiring entrepreneurs in the state is truly remarkable."
 
Source: Scott Litman, Minnesota Cup
Writer: Elizabeth Millard

Minnesota Cup Final Awards Event
 
September 6
University of Minnesota, McNamara Center
5:00pm - 7:30pm
free
 
One of the liveliest entrepreneurial competitions, the Minnesota Cup has been a source of innovation and fresh ideas since its founding. (Read about this year's finalists here.) In its final awards event, attendees will get to hear elevator pitches from the division winners and hear the announcement of the grand prize winner. The event promises to be an ideal networking opportunity for the state's entrepreneurial community.
 
Work/Life & Flexibility Expo
 
September 13
Minneapolis Marriott Southwest
8:30am - 4:30pm
$50 - $150, depending on registration type
 
As the economy recovers, engaging highly skilled talent will be crucial for all organizations, and employee retention will be vital. This conference offers insight and strategies for building a work environment that attracts the best talent and positions a company for future growth.
 
Minnesota Blogger Conference
 
September 22
Allina Health
Midtown Exchange Building, Minneapolis
9:00am - 5:00pm
free
 
The first Minnesota Blogger Conference, in 2010, was such a success that organizers decided to keep it rolling. The highly popular conference--tickets are released at strategic times, as for a rock concert--will feature speakers who've taken blogging to new levels, including turning their blogs into business opportunities. Last year's sessions also included insights on legal issues, writing topics, and video blogging.
 
Food + Justice = Democracy
 
September 24 - 26
Radisson Plaza Hotel
35 S. 7th St., Minneapolis
Ranges from $85 - $195 depending on registration type
 
A distinctive national meeting, this event brings together food-justice activists with the aim of pushing political leaders to prioritize a fair, just, and healthy food system. Instead of traditional breakout sessions, the meeting features "People's Assembly sessions," connecting attendees with fellow participants in order to craft elements of a national food-justice platform.

Some creative agencies can provide stunning strategies and vision, while others are stronger in delivering the technology that turns a promise into a workable project. At Modern Climate, they don't feel the need to choose.
 
"We can deliver top to bottom, including all the technology" says Geoff Bremner, the agency's president. "We're capable of very strong creative ideas, but also have the ability to deliver the code."
 
The agency got its start in 2009, with roots in a different interactive agency, Wolfmotell. The founders from that firm joined with Bremner to capitalize on their experience in product development and other services and broaden their approach. The result has been a full range of services for clients, and more national accounts, Bremner says.
 
The other result has been a nice amount of growth. The agency employs 45 people, and will see about 35 percent growth this year. Bremner predicts that Modern Climate will stay robust, likely sailing along at about 20 percent growth year to year in the near future.
 
The agency's ability to provide full services is one driver, but Modern Climate also stands out for its expertise in delivering powerful brand experiences for clients.
 
Recent projects have included the development of the Health4Me mobile app for UnitedHealthcare, the creation of a communications platform for Northern Brewer's recent store opening, and improvement of Geek Squad's consumer site.
 
"We see so many opportunities for fun consumer engagement," says Bremner. "When people enjoy a brand experience, they want to interact more with that brand. So, our focus is to create a great experience through the whole journey."

For Julie Mackenzie, growing up around actors and other theatrical people created a strong sense that life should be lived creatively, and with plenty of improvisation. When she stepped into the business world, she was surprised to discover that not everyone held that belief.
 
"I was shocked at what some people considered creativity," she recalls. "Right away, I could see the need for more transformation and innovation through a creative approach."
 
She hatched the idea for a firm focusing on those goals, but then got sidetracked by building a marketing company with her husband. After establishing that firm, she decided to take the leap and open Mindsailing to realize her vision.
 
The timing has been perfect, she notes: "We have this community of great collaborators right now. They're pursuing their interests, and trying to find a way to be valuable and relevant, while using the momentum of change to pull their businesses forward."
 
Mackenzie provides some wind for their sails, by bringing together a group that can deliver strategic planning and creative development, while helping clients to connect to a company's value proposition.
 
Mindsailing tends to work with clients in industries that are experiencing rapid change, such as healthcare, and uses social innovation to boost transformation.
 
"There are so many well-founded and well-researched strategic plans that simply fail," she says. "It's because those companies aren't responding to changing dynamics through creativity, or they're not finding ways to communicate in a new way."
 
Source: Julie Mackenzie, Mindsailing
Writer: Elizabeth Millard

Online broadcast reporting service BringMeTheNews (BMTN) made some news itself recently, when the company announced that it had raised $3 million in capital from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC).
 
In announcing the funding infusion, SMSC chairman Stanley Crooks noted that the company is the face of 21st century media since it's local, social, and mobile.
 
The SMSC has been a sponsor of the firm for almost two years, but this major funding boost will help to spark even more growth, according to founder Rick Kupchella.
 
He notes that BMTN has grown to nearly 20 employees, including some notable names in the local news scene. In addition to Kupchella, who's been an Emmy-winning investigative reporter and TV news anchor in the Twin Cities for two decades, BMTN includes other high-profile news reporters and producers like Don Shelby, Eric Perkins, William Wilcoxen, and Amy Hockert.
 
"There's a lot to be proud of with the tremendous growth we've seen in BMTN in just three years," Kupchella notes, adding that the firm has aggressive plans for growth in the next three years.
 
The investment will allow BMTN to enhance the user experience of the site, he says, as well as provide the funding needed for improving the speed and relevance of the content. Also, the company is eyeing additional markets. Already, the news delivery system has been dubbed the top radio newscast in the state by the Society of Professional Journalists, and Kupchella is hoping to bring that expertise and reputation to other areas.
 
Source: Rick Kupchella, BringMeTheNews
Writer: Elizabeth Millard

The Collaborative Innovation Series
 
August 2
University of St. Thomas College of Business, Minneapolis Campus
46 Eleventh St. South, Minneapolis
7:10am - 11:20am
$45 for members, $105 for non-members
 
The Collaborative, a membership organization focused on growing companies and investors, frequently provides education opportunities, and this upcoming morning seminar is part of its "innovation series." Speakers will focus on larger topics like choosing angel or VC investors, leveraging advisors, and growing through new hires. 
 
Datavenu
 
August 7 & 8
University of Minnesota
Carlson School of Management
Fee ranges from $25 - $125, depending on type of pass
 
Organized by local entrepreneur Barbara Bowen, Datavenu focuses on personal data, economic development, and the information economy. The first day of the event brings together leading speakers to talk about IT developments and data policies, while the second day is an "unconference" that features an agenda created in real time by participants.
 
Exporting in 2012: The Practices of Profitable Companies
 
August 22
Mortenson Construction
700 Meadow Lane North, Golden Valley
8:00am - 11:00am
$79 before Aug. 14, $119 afterward
 
Hosted by Enterprise Minnesota, this seminar brings together experts and business leaders who will discuss the export process and how attendees can better navigate this particular strategy. There will be several examples of how local companies are selling internationally, and connecting with global business experts who can streamline the process.
 
The Engaged Philanthropy Conference
 
August 23
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
4:00pm - 8:00pm
$70
 
Also known as EPCON, this conference focuses on social innovation in Minnesota, and is hosted by Social Venture Partners Minnesota, an organization made up of entrepreneurs and corporate leaders who are attempting to address the state's social issues. Now in its fourth year, the conference features a competition for identifying top social entrepreneurs, and keynote speaker Tim Knowles from the University of Chicago Urban Education Institute.

There are plenty of wedding planning websites, giving advice on everything from rings to thank-you notes. But GetMarried stands out, thanks to a recent revamp that's made the site more airy, fresh, and useful.
 
An asset of Taylor Corporation (run by Glen Taylor, former politician and owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves), the site was an underutilized asset that couldn't match major competitors. Heather Dempsey, who worked on strategic accounts and digital print technologies for the company, suggested a major shift toward inspiration and photography rather than the usual articles and advice.
 
"With the popularity of Pinterest and other visually-oriented sites, it's clear that people love to look at images and take ideas from that," she says. "At the same time, the site needed to feel more personal."
 
GetMarried relaunched at the end of June, with Dempsey at the helm. True to her vision, the design features plenty of photographs and trend-spotting. For example, she groups wedding photos into areas like "vintage glam" and "preppy chic."
 
"We feel that the site now is a great start in terms of putting out fresh ideas and letting people translate that into what they want," she says. "One disappointing aspect of some wedding sites is that they have elaborate photo shoots and then you find out that they weren't even real weddings. Brides and planners prefer to see details that other people really loved, and that made the day special."
 
The format of the site is being tested now, Dempsey notes, and could lend itself to additional lifestyle directions like baby showers, graduation parties, and other common celebrations.
 
"It's really fun to work on this, and see the different directions it can go," she says.
 
Source: Heather Dempsey, GetMarried
Writer: Elizabeth Millard

When Minneapolis-based marketing technology firm Spyder Trap decided to expand, company CEO Mike Rynchek didn't look toward an outer ring suburb or a hop just across the river: instead, the company is headed to the mountains.
 
Recently, it announced plans to open an office in Denver this fall, with a small staff initially. However, the company anticipates expanding both offices in the near future, and is currently hiring to broaden its local presence.
 
Spyder Trap offers an array of marketing technology services, such as website and mobile site development, social media expertise, search analytics, and email marketing (see previous coverage in The Line here). In its four-year history, the firm has grown its revenues by 200 percent per year.
 
The move to Denver makes sense strategically, Rynchek says: "Similar to Minneapolis, Denver is quickly becoming one of the nation's leading marketing technology cities. We view our new location as a gateway to attracting West Coast talent, along with better servicing that clientele."
 
Another important factor was lifestyle, he adds. Much like the Twin Cities, Denver tends to top lists when it comes to healthy eating and outdoor activities. Spyder Trap wanted a location that would be a great place for employees, with the wellness levels they enjoy here.
 
Rynchek says, "We continue to look for ways to make Spyder Trap a great place to be for our employees."
 
Source: Mike Rynchek, Spyder Trap
Writer: Elizabeth Millard

The Minnesota Angel Tax Credit Program recently celebrated its second birthday, and boasts some impressive numbers for a two-year-old.
 
Since its launch in July 2010, the program has attracted more than $126 million in private investments for small, entrepreneur-led companies in the state. According to Mark Phillips, Commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), over 100 businesses have received funding in 2012 alone. Companies attracting the most attention from investors and angel funds tend to be software, biotechnology, and medical device firms.
 
The program has been a tremendous help for promising businesses, Phillips believes. Some of the companies earning funds could be the state's next big high-tech success stories, leading to job growth and a more robust local economy.
 
Run by DEED, the program provides incentives to investors or investment funds, steering them in the direction of putting money into emerging companies, particularly those focused on high-tech endeavors. The Angel Tax Credit gives investors a credit of 25 percent for investments of at least $10,000, and the past few years have shown that plenty of investors are eager to take advantage of that incentive while helping to get innovative companies off the ground.
 
Over two-thirds of $12 million in tax credits allocated for this year have already gone out, Phillips noted, and DEED expects the remaining credits of about $3.3 million to be allocated by the end of August.
 
The program is slated to continue operation through the end of 2014, and if everything works as DEED expects, close to $236 million will have been invested in Minnesota high-tech startups by the time the program ends.
 
Source: Mark Phillips, Department of Employment and Economic Development
Writer: Elizabeth Millard

Searching for the right realtor can sometimes feel like dating--everyone is hunting for that special someone who's trustworthy, friendly, and compatible. Where are the sites that give you a strong realtor match the way dating sites pair you up with romantic candidates?
 
HomeVisor comes awfully close. Started by real estate agent Brett Doshan, the service aims to bring buyers and sellers together with realtors who understand their needs.
 
Doshan says, "A first-time, 22 year-old buyer usually wants a younger agent, whereas a retiree likes to work with someone their own age. That's just one example of preferences that people have. Buying and selling real estate is a big part of someone's life, so they want to make sure they feel comfortable with the agent."
 
In order to find just the right agent for each client, Doshan and his team spend hours on the phone, talking with agents around the country to get a sense of personality types, reputations, experience, and other factors that go into a recommendation.
 
There are some competitors that try to do a similar match-up, but Doshan says that they usually have a pool of agents that pay to be part of the service. When a buyer goes to one of their sites, they simply put in his or her zip code, and get a list of agents. "The focus of those sites is to get agents to sign up, to expand their databases," he notes. "Our focus is on buyers and sellers, to find out what they really need."
 
Doshan's comprehensive matchmaking skills have allowed HomeVisor to go national, within only a few years since it started. The company employs five people, and the founder expects strong growth for the future. "We just want to constantly get better at our service."
 
Source: Brett Doshan, HomeVisor
Writer: Elizabeth Millard