Healthcare at Your Fingertips

Healthcare at Your Fingertips:

              The age in which we live in has created many conveniences, especially related to technology. Our phones have become hand held computers; we have the ability to reach anyone, anywhere, anytime in the world; and the human connection continues to increase as technology continues to improve. With that said, it only makes sense that a business or individual entity would utilize this to reach their clients, much like previous companies featured on Startuptb.com. Many healthcare providers are now also taking advantage of technology to reach their patients in various ways, and companies like Health Hero have created tools to help them in doing so. Health Hero “provides smart, multi-channel, and integrated health engagement experiences that are powerful, beautiful, and simple to deploy for patients – in seconds.” Health Hero allows providers to communicate test results, consultations, and increase patient involvement in their treatment. It should also be noted, like other startups that we have featured, that Health Hero also focuses on employee health for companies and engagement in their well being by encouraging activity through risk assessments, biometrics, and challenges, among other activities.

Image Courtesy of: https://www.crowdfunder.com/healthhero#kpis

                Health Hero seeks to address preventative care by providing solutions to companies and individuals that promote behavioral change. It is estimated that 75% of healthcare costs are related to chronic, preventable illness. If an innovative approach to wellness is able to inspire behavioral change, the benefits would be immeasurable. Since preventable illness is the source of such significant expenditures in healthcare, not to mention a major loss to quality of life to those that the illness affects, concepts like Health Hero can literally be life saving innovations. Changing habits that contribute to chronic and preventable illness begins with changing behaviors. If Health Hero is able to continue to create buy in from potential clients the way it already has, it appears that these positive outcomes will continue to improve the lives of many people in our community and beyond. What other benefits can come from prevention, rather than treatment? Where else do you see this concept being useful?

Peerfit: Workouts, Your Way.

Peerfit: Workouts, Your Way.

              The benefits of health, wellness, and regular exercise, are constantly the focus of recent news, articles, and daily life. However, for many, life can get in the way of developing a regular fitness routine. Luckily, there’s a new startup that aims to resolve this too common dilemma. Peerfit offers different levels of membership, beginning with creating an account. After the account is created, clients have the ability to purchase credits, which can then be used to purchase classes at local fitness studios. “Peerfit is a community that helps people discover the best fitness classes and motivates them to attend and share. For anyone who seeks freedom from the typical workout routine, Peerfit is the easy, flexible way to customize a premium fitness experience.” This innovative startup concept also allows for variety while also providing motivation to consistently get moving.

              In addition to individual memberships, Peerfit offers corporate memberships. Recently, more employers have started to offer company sponsored memberships or reimbursements for spending on gyms or group classes. This is beneficial to companies for several reasons. First, it encourages activity and the overall well being of employees, saves money due to the fact that this service is “pay as you go,” and lastly, it serves as a method of socialization and team building for coworkers. In examining all of the benefits, it is safe to assume that involvement in an activity such as Peerfit is an obvious morale booster and activity in which coworkers can socialize, set, and meet goals. Additionally, this creates a more positive and engaged organizational culture.

Photo Cred: https://pulse.peerfit.com/how-peerfit-uses-fitness-to-drive-employee-engagement-2/ 

              In further exploring Peerfit’s website, it appears that this exciting startup has something for everyone; be it the individual, corporation, or group. This leads us to wonder- does it seem like this model for company fitness lends itself to more involvement and positive outcomes than previous, more traditional ideas for team building and wellness?

Startup Synergy

Startup Synergy

              Startup Tampa Bay was very excited to learn more about a new partnership between Pikmykid, a recently featured company on our blog, and TBARTA. This partnership in particular embodies that of a true startup: a success that began with a single idea, was created, and grew through hard work and capital. Pikmykid is no stranger to rapid success; this company has drawn investors, awards, and attention far and wide due to its innovative concepts and ability to reduce stress within the chaotic experience of pickup and drop-off at your child’s school.

Under this new venture with the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority, Pikmykid will expand their services to new schools through a grant that will allow them to build their presence in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Hernando, and Citrus counties Additionally, this union aims to further streamline transportation by “reduce school traffic congestion and increase parent engagement” and to develop new ideas by building on the current model- the possibilities seem limitless!

Chart Courtesy of Business IT proposal for a Safe, Secure, Smart School Dismissal system (2014)

              As schools, organizations, and individuals embrace the advantages of using this type of technology, it appears that the new paradigm shifts will create ease and efficiency, with respect to both time and money. Studies have shown that this collaboration will save money for schools, which provides an advantage while working on a limited budget such as that of some local school districts. We believe that money saved is money that will eventually (and hopefully!) be invested back into students and their education. Additionally, time saved allows teachers and administration to spend it where it counts- with their students. Ventures such as this benefit all parties involved.

              What do you feel is the advantage of an established community agency such as TBARTA partnering with an innovative startup like Pikmykid? What other concepts or ventures could be created in such a union?

Photo Cred: www.TBARTA.com

Tao: A Guide to Finding your Inner Peace

Tao: A Guide to Finding your Inner Peace

              Too often lately, we hear about the growing need for mental health services and a lack of available resources for the ever increasing demand. Sadly, our very own state of Florida is one of the lowest ranked states for per capita expenditures on these much needed services, which has led to a crisis of catastrophic proportions. As of 2014, we were ranked 49th lowest in the nation for basic state funded mental health services, and current programs and attempts at improvement leave much to be desired. While this knowledge is common for those in the mental health professions, many are unaware of just how much a lack of funding feeds a growing epidemic.

One local mental health professional with an entrepreneurial spirit recognized the need for innovative and accessible services to be utilized by both professionals and clients alike. Thus, TAO, Therapy Assistance Online was born. TAO “is committed to reducing mental health disparities by bringing affordable, effective, and accessible treatment to people who have had limited access in the past,” according to their mission statement. TAO was founded in 2012 by Dr. Sherry Benton when she was serving as the Director of Counseling Services at a large university. Through her experience, she recognized a need for a change in the way therapeutic services are rendered, utilizing an international, evidence based model. According to TAO’s website, this model involves online modules, tools, brief phone calls and videoconferencing to address the unique needs of each individual client. Through her research and studying this method with clients at her very own university, Dr. Benton found this method of therapy yielded incredibly successful outcomes while simultaneously effectively reaching a large audience.

The month of May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. According to Johns Hopkins, as many as 1 in 4 adults over the age of 18 is diagnosed with a mental illness at some point in their life. It is with high hopes that successful startups like TAO continue to come to fruition to meet an ever growing need.

Getting around Tampa: Walking, biking, taxis, Ubers, golf carts and now driverless cars.

Getting around Tampa: Walking, biking, taxis, Ubers, golf carts and now driverless cars.

  The days of hailing a cab for a ride to the airport have changed. Would anyone imagine an app on your cellphone that connected you through geo-location to a driver close by ready to drive you to a destination? Can you imagine Tampa’s forefathers envisioning future generations walking, biking along Bayshore, leaving a concert at Curtis Hixon Park or hitching a ride home from a local watering hole via an electronic device, without exchanging paper/coin currency? Transportation options are plentiful in Tampa Bay. Less than a decade ago traditional taxi companies such as Yellow Cab, United or CabsPlus black car service dominated the transportation industry in Tampa. However, several technology companies are disrupting the status quo with innovation. Getting around town has never been easier and more convenient. UBER and Lyft have taken the Tampa Bay area by storm. Furthermore, according to ridedowntowner.com “we're excited to provide the downtown area with green, fun and effective transportation seven days a week.” The service started in 2016 providing rides from the Tampa Riverwalk to the Florida Aquarium. Fast forward to 2017 and request a ride anywhere in the service area and you'll be whisked away within minutes. This service is possible thanks to The Tampa Downtown Partnership, along with many other supporters, who have teamed up to bring 100% free rides to Tampa's visitors and residents alike. With their help, the Downtowner now offers free rides within an expanded area of Downtown Tampa.

Photo Courtesy of Hani Haddad.

  Want to take a stroll down memory lane then jump on the historic TECO street car and venture into Ybor City? Thanks to local business support another option will soon be available. This new mode of transportation will be focused on getting people around the congested University of South Florida area in North Tampa. In 2012, Florida became the second of eight states to pass legislation supporting autonomous testing and deployment. Earlier this year, that legislation was expanded to allow the vehicles on public roads. In June, the U.S. Department of Transportation held a nationwide "Smart City challenge" to encourage ideas on how to integrate innovative technologies — self-driving cars, connected vehicles and smart sensors — into their transportation networks. That said The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit authority is deploying four vehicles they’ve acquired from Tesla to supplement a program that lets riders receive subsidized rides to or from bus stops in certain areas. HART has partnered with Transdev a global leader in Autonomous Vehicle operations who is preparing to bring the efficiencies witnessed in Europe to North America to facilitate the service. The Transdev Link mobile solution helps transit agencies solve the complicated first-mile, last-mile conundrum of getting passengers in underserved areas to bus stops and train stations. In the HART program, residents located within a three-mile radius of select bus stops can order on-demand shared rides for outgoing and incoming public transit trips from their smartphone or calling a traditional phone line. ADA-complaint vehicles are also available upon request to ensure equitable access for all.

  According to Transdev, First-mile last-mile solutions are desirable because they open public transit access to residents who typically fall outside of the system’s scope based on geographical limitations of the transit network. Traditional for-hire providers are often too expensive to justify the expense of the short ride. The subsidized rides give transit access to residents and increase ridership for public transportation agencies. “What we are creating is an answer to a question that has plagued transit agencies for years,” said Executive Vice President of Business Development Dick Alexander. “This new app is a tool that expands the boundaries of any transit network and offers affordable access to public transportation options. It’s a win for residents. It’s a win for transit agencies. It’s a win for everybody.” At a time with some many transportation options available, would you consider utilizing public transportation vs alternatives if you could ride in an autonomous spaceship (car)?

Photo Courtesy of http://www.transdevna.com/Transit/Transdev-LINK.aspx

PikMyKid: Controlling the Car Line Chaos

PikMyKid: Controlling the Car Line Chaos

  For many parents, one of the most dreaded aspects of their day is the car line at their children’s school (cue the dramatic music.) Waiting in a car line can bring about temporary insanity in even the most level headed person, due to what seems an endless wait, being cut off in line, parents with their heads buried in mobile devices, and individuals picking up their children that just have general difficulty in following basic rules. Scenes from a school dismissal often conjure up images of cattle being herded, flood gates opening, and general mass chaos.

  One local entrepreneur found a creative solution to managing the chaos while keeping convenience, order, and your child’s safety, your number one priority, in mind. Pat Bhava, founder of PikMyKid has been bringing order and peace of mind to school dismissals since founding his company. And while no stranger to the startup industry, Bhava created a program that caters to all users- parents and school staff alike- to streamline the dismissal process. According to their website, “PikMyKid is the first and only comprehensive communication system for K-12 schools engaging >80% of the parents on their platform. It also simplifies the school dismissal process, eases traffic, provides realtime alerts and enhances student safety.” PikMyKid promises parents shorter wait times, increased safety, more efficient dismissals, ease of communication with teaches and administration, and emergency notifications, among many other benefits. For teachers and administrators, reduced dismissal time and calls to the front offices, paperless dismissals, real time reporting, and reduced traffic are all aspects they can look forward to by implementing PikMyKid into their end of day procedures.

  The bottom line is that schools benefit financially and parents spend less time waiting on their child, leading to more quality time and meaningful interactions. For those that have experienced the chaos in the car line, does PikMyKid have what it takes to control the chaos? Only time will tell, but it sure seems like it!

Mission Accomplished: Successful Veteran Startups

Mission Accomplished: Successful Veteran Startups

              As members of the Armed Forces, Veterans give so much for our country. We are forever indebted to them for their bravery, sacrifices, and contributions. For a growing number of Veterans, the transition into civilian life continues to exercise these strengths of character in the form of venturing out to create their own startup companies. The Bay Area is home to MacDill Air Force Base as well as a home to many Veterans who are utilizing the skills acquired during their service to contribute to the local startup scene. It is these skills and strengths of character that lead to more successful outcomes for veteran owned businesses that others.

                A recent article featured on tech.co Tampa highlights several local Veteran owned startups; Directional Command, Scytale Group, American Freedom Distillery, and Resident Magazine. Directional Command executes the specific mission of catering to contractors and utilities. They seek to "provide software as a service to Utilities, along with specialized asset management solutions." The assistance that Directional Command offers to these individuals provides more successful logistics and operations. Scytale Group maximizes profits and minimizes waste for clients seeking new ways to obtain energy. Currently, they are "bridging the gap between research and product development in energy conversion technology." Much excitement has been generated in response to this relatively new company. American Freedom Distillery came to fruition from the worldwide travels from Special Operations Soldiers. Using these travels and their unique experiences, we can expect this company will bring a unique twist to the ever-popular spirits industry. Lastly, but certainly not least, Resident Magazine showcases local events and figures. This puts who "who's who" and all the excitement of our area on display to readers, drawing them in and to the area.

              Across all industries of varying professions, Veteran owned startups are shaping the industry in a major way. This is largely in part to specialized skills, a dedicated work ethic, integrity, and values. What values do you feel Veterans possess that make them and their startups so successful?

360 Degree Views...

            A recent startup to the Bay Area brings a creative way ­into providing a “sneak peek” into points of interest. For many potential patrons of bars, restaurants, and retail, the ability to a glimpse into their future plans- be it for spirits or shopping- would provide them with decision making power before even setting foot inside of an establishment. Tampa’s very own Threshold 360 does exactly this. According to their website, Threshold 360 aims to “help people choose which thresholds to cross in real life by enabling them to first step inside of those locations virtually. With immersive experiences captured for thousands of locations across the globe, we are at the beginning of our journey to fulfilling our mission of allowing anyone to cross any threshold to virtually step inside of any location in the world.”

What this translates to for the viewer is a unique way of previewing an establishment before actually going there. In addition, the business is able to draw in potential customers simply by providing a preview of what is to be found once someone actually pays them a visit. Thus, a mutually beneficial relationship is born. While some may consider this a risky venture given the fact that technology powerhouses like Google already possess the reputation, technology, and most importantly, resources to usurp Threshold 360 and others like them, it appears as though Threshold 360 has found a unique concept for the time being. This is due to the fact that it actually provides a look inside rather than just from the street. Potential patrons can get a much better feel for the ambiance, environment, and crowd of an establishment with an inside look.

Potential growth is certain, given the fact that this concept has caught the attention of local financier Jeff Vinik, most notably known for his role in revitalizing Tampa’s channelside district and ownership of the Tampa Bay Lightning. With cameras currently set up (and expanding) in locations in both the US and internationally, sit back and enjoy the views!

Pirates, Sun, Sand and Start-ups...

   When envisioning the Tampa Bay area, images of sun soaked, sandy beaches and often come to mind; paired with small businesses, startups, and an entrepreneurial, up and coming population. What’s that, you say? Pirates, Sun, sand, and startups? Absolutely! While most consider this area to be a sleepy region filled with retirees and the occasional thrill seeking Spring breakers, rapid growth is quickly transforming this antiquated perception of our hometowns into a bustling metropolitan area. This leaves our beloved Tampa Bay ripe for invasion for those interested in entrepreneurial ventures, hoping to strike it rich.

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The most recent US census shows that the Tampa Bay area is leading the nation as the region with the fifth largest population growth. With this growth comes an influx of diverse individuals looking to manifest their talents and creativity into tangible successes. Additionally, lifelong residents of these cities are feeling inspired to venture out on their own in the communities in which they have been raised. Fortunately for these individuals, the tools to do so are quite literally at their fingertips. The current administration within the City of Tampa has created favorable conditions for business creation and growth under Mayor Bob Buckhorn, and the City of Saint Petersburg offers a new tool that helps would be business owners and entrepreneurs navigate the process of establishing their place within their communities. These are only a small number of examples of how our region favors new business establishment, development, and growth.

Is all of this growth sustainable? Will it continue? Is the Tampa Bay area the next BIG thing? We believe so. As long as creativity, determination, and entrepreneurship exist, we believe that those looking to find success will chart their path by water, land leaving “footprints in the sand.”

Ride the “Wave” and take your start up to the next level…

  In 2008 a group of entrepreneurs founded a non-profit to help local entrepreneurs grow tech ideas into feasible businesses. By 2013 the Tampa Bay Wave with the University of South Florida (USF) was awarded an i6 Challenge Grant which allowed for a “proof of concept center.” Since their humble beginnings the Wave through its FirstWaVE program (See chart below) has supported over 125 local startups with over $20 million raised in outside investment capital, making it one of the critical economic drivers for the region. The Wave offers coworker space and a plethora of mentorship opportunities with an all-star board of directors such as Alex Sink former CFO of the State of Florida and business community support. If you’re a local entrepreneur looking to Hang 10, be sure to jump on the Tampa Bay Wave!

(Courtesy of http://www.tampabaywave.org/)