Seattle’s up-and-coming startups have some serious artistic skills.
That much was clear when the Seattle 10 — a group of groundbreaking startups attempting to change the world — debuted their giant six-foot by six-foot cocktail napkins at the big GeekWire Gala at the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) on Wednesday evening.
In partnership with MOHAI and the Bezos Center for Innovation, we picked the Seattle 10 based on the most promising emerging technology companies in the region that were younger than five years old and had revolutionary technologies that could one day translate into large businesses.
We then asked each company to re-produce their business ideas on the massive napkins — and boy did they ever. Check out each company’s sketch below (click each image to enlarge), along with short descriptions from each company about how they will change the world. The sketches will be displayed at MOHAI through the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, so you can go check out the amazing creations (plus last year’s finalists) for yourself.
Thanks again to everyone for participating in the Seattle 10, presented by MOHAI.
Koru, founded in 2013
Why they’re changing the world: “Fifty five percent of recent college graduates aren’t getting real jobs. Growing companies can’t find good entry-level talent. What you learn in college is not what the employers in the innovation economy of today need. Koru is the talent marketplace that is filling this chasm between college and career. Koru prepares grads through real world experience in top companies like LinkedIn, Amazon, zulily and Porch, helps them develop the relevant skills they need to perform in the top tier, and connects them with the people hiring. Our results in just one year: three cities launched, 85% of our grads landed great jobs, and a passionate tribe of followers.”
Pro.com, founded in 2013
Why they’re changing the world: “Pro.com is changing the way people price, book, and transact local services. Imagine a future where finding, booking and paying for top local pros takes only seconds from your mobile phone. Today, Pro.com helps homeowners instantly estimate the cost of home projects, find pros, and schedule appointments. Price transparency now exists for the first time between customers and pros, where customers see a complete project cost estimate before ever talking with a pro. Since launching 5 months ago, customers across a quarter of U.S. zip codes have used Pro.com to estimate over $150M in home projects.”
Kymeta, founded in 2012
Why they’re changing the world: “Named by both CNBC and MIT as a Top 50 Most Disruptive technology company, Kymeta is the enabling technology opening vast new markets for satellite broadband to all types of connected vehicles (aeronautical/maritime/automotive) — and delivering ubiquitous mobile broadband on an unprecedented scale. Kymeta enables flatter, thinner, more efficient and less expensive devices and solutions, unlocking affordable broadband mobility offerings previously unavailable with traditional satellite technologies. Kymeta innovation introduces the world’s first metamaterials-based smart antennas. Kymeta’s solutions electronically and dynamically acquire, steer and lock our holographic beam on satellites with no moving parts, providing software-defined connectivity for mobile and fixed infrastructure.”
Remitly, founded in 2011
Why they’re changing the world: “Remittances are a direct way of reducing inequality in developing countries. Globally over $400 billion is sent from developed to developing countries each year. That is over three times the amount of global foreign aid that is sent every year. Unfortunately, over 8% (+$30 billion) is taken in fees. That’s more than the GDP of the entire country of Nicaragua. Remitly is changing the world by leveraging mobile phones to disrupt the international remittance industry. We help underserved customers send more money home in a fundamentally more convenient way.”
Front Desk, founded in 2012
Why they’re changing the world: “Front Desk is powerful business management software built to let these entrepreneurs spend more time doing what they love—growing their dreams and spending time with their clients—and less time struggling with tedious tasks like billing and scheduling that come with running a business. As entrepreneurs ourselves, we’re passionate about empowering people to pursue their passions, chase their dreams, and change the world.”
Haiku Deck, founded 2010
Why they’re changing the world: “In the age of social media, visual storytelling has never been more important. Yet, when you ask people what words they associate with presentations- the traditional medium for storytelling, the response is consistently grim. By making it simple for entrepreneurs, educators, leaders, and communicators from all disciplines to create stunning visual presentations that stand out, Haiku Deck helps bring world-changing ideas to life. In less time than it takes to animate a flying bullet, anyone can captivate and inspire their audience. When people start thinking of presentations as ‘beautiful,’ ‘fun,’ and ‘creative,’ we’ll know we’ve made a difference.”
EveryMove, founded 2011
Why they’re changing the world: “EveryMove is on a mission to improve the lives of 10 million people in the next 10 years through living a physically fit lifestyle. Whether it’s taking a five minute walk or running a marathon, EveryMove motivates and inspires an active lifestyle by amplifying the impact of the fitness tracking technology consumers already use. Track progress, inspire friends, compete in workplace challenges, and earn rewards ranging from gift cards to charitable donations.”
GRAYL, founded 2012
Why they’re changing the world:: “GRAYL is on a mission to change the way the world drinks water. GRAYL’s Water Filtration Cup works like a French Press, filtering toxins from water in seconds. Built from 18/8 stainless steel, the innovative system is equipped with a patent-pending press mechanism and advanced filtration technology. GRAYL creates safe, great tasting water on the go with no waiting, pumping, squeezing or sucking. GRAYL’s unique interchangeable filter system provides varying levels of protection for TAP, TRAIL and TRAVEL- from the office to international destinations. Take control of your water quality anywhere in the world and never buy bottled water again!”
GraphLab, founded 2013
Why they’re changing the world:: “Imagine a world where technology can analyze medical records and determine which drugs are most impactful for an individual. Where a telecommunications company can predict turnover down to the day a customer will switch providers. Some of these advancements are happening, some are on the horizon. They will be made possible through machine learning – a science that allows computers to be programmed to “learn” from data patterns and make highly accurate predictions, automatically. Broad use of machine learning is hindered today by the complexity of available tools. GraphLab is working to democratize machine learning and enable endless insights for data.”
WISErg, founded 2010
Why they’re changing the world: “Americans send 133 billion pounds of food to landfills each year. Where others see waste, WISErg sees a valuable resource and opportunity. WISErg’s Harvester converts grocery food scraps into WISErganic, an organic liquid fertilizer. Farmers use WISErganic to grow produce with 20% higher crop yields. Groceries then buy that produce, creating a closed-loop ecosystem of sustainable food practices. Adding further value, Harvester’s integrated sensors collect data to help groceries reduce food waste before it happens – from ordering excess inventory to wasteful labor practices. With WISErg, the world can now turn food scraps into a valuable, nutrient-rich resource – not waste.”
