Techstars

Hifive is a platform designed to enhance employee recognition and compensation in the service industry by facilitating personalized reviews, ratings, and cashless tips. Founded in 2020 and based in Austin, Texas, Hifive enables hourly service employees to earn additional income through tips provided by customers wishing to express their gratitude for exceptional service. The platform leverages QR code technology, allowing users to give feedback and tips seamlessly without the need for a dedicated application. This innovative approach not only supports employees in receiving immediate recognition but also streamlines the tipping process for customers.

StoryFit Inc. is a technology company based in Austin, Texas, that specializes in providing artificial intelligence insights and machine learning solutions for the book publishing, movie, and television production industries. Founded in 2014, StoryFit offers products such as StoryFit Metadata and StoryFit Analytics, which allow publishers and studios to analyze metadata and gain insights into audience targeting, reader personas, and writing evaluation. The company aims to empower creative decision-makers by delivering actionable data analytics that simulate audience responses to content and provide suggestions for development, marketing, and merchandising. By understanding how stories fit within the broader landscape, StoryFit supports its clients in producing engaging and memorable narratives.

Clusiv is an innovative e-learning platform specifically designed for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Founded in 2021 and based in Austin, Texas, Clusiv focuses on providing accessible vocational training that equips users with essential skills for the modern workforce. The platform offers self-paced courses that cover critical topics such as cloud file management, email proficiency, and virtual interview preparation, enabling users to confidently engage in remote job opportunities. By enhancing the employability of blind and visually impaired individuals, Clusiv aims to improve their employment outcomes and assist organizations in hiring and training diverse talent.

Gardenio, Inc. is an online gardening marketplace based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2017. The company aims to support new food growers by offering a unique digital garden club membership that fosters a community for sharing knowledge and experiences. Gardenio provides starter grow boxes that include soil, organic plants, and care guides to help customers establish and maintain edible organic gardens at home. Through its platform, members receive locally relevant growing advice and digital tools to address gardening challenges, ensuring they are not alone in their growing journey. The company's mission is to build a supportive network that empowers individuals to successfully cultivate their own plants.

StoryFit Inc. is a technology company based in Austin, Texas, that specializes in providing artificial intelligence insights and machine learning solutions for the book publishing, movie, and television production industries. Founded in 2014, StoryFit offers products such as StoryFit Metadata and StoryFit Analytics, which allow publishers and studios to analyze metadata and gain insights into audience targeting, reader personas, and writing evaluation. The company aims to empower creative decision-makers by delivering actionable data analytics that simulate audience responses to content and provide suggestions for development, marketing, and merchandising. By understanding how stories fit within the broader landscape, StoryFit supports its clients in producing engaging and memorable narratives.

EarBuds Music is a social music application that provides users with a platform to connect with friends and create shared musical experiences. Launched in 2017 and based in Austin, Texas, the app allows users to initiate live listening sessions, enabling them to discover new music together in real-time. It facilitates a unique interaction where users can see what their friends are listening to and join them in live sessions, fostering a sense of community and shared enjoyment. By engaging with music curators and friends, users can enhance their music discovery process and participate in key moments in music through this peer-to-peer platform.

Joust is a Texas-based company that operates a real-time social engagement platform, connecting users with their friends and interests through competitive challenges and predictions across various categories like sports, entertainment, and world events. Additionally, Joust offers a banking platform, Joust Inc., which provides merchant services and business banking, along with a proprietary invoice factoring service called PayArmour, to support the financial needs of self-employed individuals.

LiveOak Technologies, Inc. is a software company based in Austin, Texas, that offers a cloud-based platform designed to streamline financial processes through real-time communication, collaboration, and eSignature capabilities. Established in 2015, the platform allows users to engage in video, audio, and text chat directly through a browser, facilitating collaboration among multiple participants. It also includes features for screen sharing, data and ID capture, and the secure storage of compliant information. The platform is tailored to enhance workflow efficiency by minimizing errors in complex digital transactions and paperwork, ultimately enabling users to provide superior service to their customers. LiveOak Technologies operates as a subsidiary of DocuSign, Inc.

StoryFit Inc. is a technology company based in Austin, Texas, that specializes in providing artificial intelligence insights and machine learning solutions for the book publishing, movie, and television production industries. Founded in 2014, StoryFit offers products such as StoryFit Metadata and StoryFit Analytics, which allow publishers and studios to analyze metadata and gain insights into audience targeting, reader personas, and writing evaluation. The company aims to empower creative decision-makers by delivering actionable data analytics that simulate audience responses to content and provide suggestions for development, marketing, and merchandising. By understanding how stories fit within the broader landscape, StoryFit supports its clients in producing engaging and memorable narratives.

Joust is a Texas-based company that operates a real-time social engagement platform, connecting users with their friends and interests through competitive challenges and predictions across various categories like sports, entertainment, and world events. Additionally, Joust offers a banking platform, Joust Inc., which provides merchant services and business banking, along with a proprietary invoice factoring service called PayArmour, to support the financial needs of self-employed individuals.

CountertopSmart LLC is an online marketplace based in Austin, Texas, that specializes in the sale of countertop remnants, which are the leftover portions of full-sized stone slabs. The platform connects homeowners and construction professionals with a secondary market for these materials, offering a unique opportunity to purchase high-quality stone at significantly reduced prices, typically ranging from 60% to 80% savings. This innovative approach benefits sellers as well, allowing them to enhance their profits by 20% to 40%. By facilitating the buying and selling of partial slabs, CountertopSmart provides customers with customized material options that align more closely with their specific project needs, thereby optimizing costs and resources in the $30 billion countertop industry.

Joust is a Texas-based company that operates a real-time social engagement platform, connecting users with their friends and interests through competitive challenges and predictions across various categories like sports, entertainment, and world events. Additionally, Joust offers a banking platform, Joust Inc., which provides merchant services and business banking, along with a proprietary invoice factoring service called PayArmour, to support the financial needs of self-employed individuals.

SecondBrain is an artificial consciousness studio located in Austin, Texas, specializing in the development of AI-driven tools to enhance writing abilities. The company created RapGod.ai, an intuitive platform that assists users in writing lyrics and overcoming writer's block. By leveraging artificial intelligence, SecondBrain's technology enables writers and lyricists to improve their skills through private collaboration with machine intelligence, offering a unique solution to the challenges faced in the creative writing process.

NarrativeDx Inc. is a data analytics company based in Austin, Texas, specializing in improving patient experiences within healthcare settings. By leveraging artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and machine learning, NarrativeDx's platform collects and analyzes unstructured patient feedback from various sources, including surveys and social media. This technology allows healthcare administrators to gain insights into patient satisfaction and identify key areas needing improvement. The platform not only helps hospital leaders understand the context behind patient comments but also offers actionable recommendations to enhance patient engagement, increase referrals, and ultimately boost hospital revenues and reputations. Founded in 2014, NarrativeDx operates as a subsidiary of Press Ganey Associates, Inc.

LiveOak Technologies, Inc. is a software company based in Austin, Texas, that offers a cloud-based platform designed to streamline financial processes through real-time communication, collaboration, and eSignature capabilities. Established in 2015, the platform allows users to engage in video, audio, and text chat directly through a browser, facilitating collaboration among multiple participants. It also includes features for screen sharing, data and ID capture, and the secure storage of compliant information. The platform is tailored to enhance workflow efficiency by minimizing errors in complex digital transactions and paperwork, ultimately enabling users to provide superior service to their customers. LiveOak Technologies operates as a subsidiary of DocuSign, Inc.

NarrativeDx Inc. is a data analytics company based in Austin, Texas, specializing in improving patient experiences within healthcare settings. By leveraging artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and machine learning, NarrativeDx's platform collects and analyzes unstructured patient feedback from various sources, including surveys and social media. This technology allows healthcare administrators to gain insights into patient satisfaction and identify key areas needing improvement. The platform not only helps hospital leaders understand the context behind patient comments but also offers actionable recommendations to enhance patient engagement, increase referrals, and ultimately boost hospital revenues and reputations. Founded in 2014, NarrativeDx operates as a subsidiary of Press Ganey Associates, Inc.

CityCop Inc. is a company that has developed a social GPS application designed for community watch, allowing users to report crimes and receive alerts from other community members. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, the company also has offices in São Paulo, Brazil, and Montevideo, Uruguay. The platform aims to empower individuals to enhance their safety and that of their neighbors by providing real-time information about criminal activities in their vicinity. Through active participation, users can contribute to creating a safer environment in their communities.

PreFix Inc. is a home care service provider based in Austin, Texas, specializing in preventive maintenance for appliances, HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical systems. Founded in 2013, the company offers a wide range of services, including cleaning and inspecting water heaters, dryers, ovens, and dishwashers, as well as unclogging drains and changing filters. PreFix aims to alleviate the maintenance burdens faced by homeowners and landlords, enabling them to efficiently address minor issues before they escalate. The company's platform allows users to easily schedule appointments for necessary repairs and maintenance, ultimately helping them save time and reduce annual maintenance costs by 30-50%.

Written Inc. is a company based in Austin, Texas, that specializes in content marketing and audience development. Founded in 2012, it provides a platform that connects brands with bloggers, facilitating content licensing, syndication, and sponsored content. The services offered by Written Inc. enable brands to engage with precision-targeted audiences and achieve predictable returns on investment. At the same time, bloggers benefit by increasing their monetization opportunities and gaining exposure for their content. The platform supports WordPress websites, allowing for the rebranding and republishing of existing content, which helps brands expand their reach and boost conversions. Written Inc. aims to create a mutually beneficial environment for brands seeking effective content strategies and bloggers looking to enhance their influence and revenue.

LiveOak Technologies, Inc. is a software company based in Austin, Texas, that offers a cloud-based platform designed to streamline financial processes through real-time communication, collaboration, and eSignature capabilities. Established in 2015, the platform allows users to engage in video, audio, and text chat directly through a browser, facilitating collaboration among multiple participants. It also includes features for screen sharing, data and ID capture, and the secure storage of compliant information. The platform is tailored to enhance workflow efficiency by minimizing errors in complex digital transactions and paperwork, ultimately enabling users to provide superior service to their customers. LiveOak Technologies operates as a subsidiary of DocuSign, Inc.

StoryFit Inc. is a technology company based in Austin, Texas, that specializes in providing artificial intelligence insights and machine learning solutions for the book publishing, movie, and television production industries. Founded in 2014, StoryFit offers products such as StoryFit Metadata and StoryFit Analytics, which allow publishers and studios to analyze metadata and gain insights into audience targeting, reader personas, and writing evaluation. The company aims to empower creative decision-makers by delivering actionable data analytics that simulate audience responses to content and provide suggestions for development, marketing, and merchandising. By understanding how stories fit within the broader landscape, StoryFit supports its clients in producing engaging and memorable narratives.

Filament Labs is a Techstars Austin ’13 company, building PatientIO, a patient engagement platform. It products, PatientIO, helps health professionals track and manage their patients’ health behaviors between visits. It helps patients adhere to complex treatment regimens and transmit relevant data back to their doctor. Filament Labs was founded in 2013 by [Jason Bornhorst](https://www.crunchbase.com/person/jason-bornhorst) and [Colin Anawaty](https://www.crunchbase.com/person/colin-anawaty). It is based in Austin, T.X.

Yonder LLC, founded in 2017 and based in Austin, Texas, develops an application designed to help brands contextualize online information. The company aims to enhance the understanding of digital content by adding cultural context to information as it circulates on the internet. Yonder's mission is rooted in the belief that the internet should democratize information flow and combat the issues of misinformation, fake accounts, and disinformation that arise when content is presented without context. By addressing these challenges, Yonder seeks to foster a more trustworthy and open digital environment.

LiveOak Technologies, Inc. is a software company based in Austin, Texas, that offers a cloud-based platform designed to streamline financial processes through real-time communication, collaboration, and eSignature capabilities. Established in 2015, the platform allows users to engage in video, audio, and text chat directly through a browser, facilitating collaboration among multiple participants. It also includes features for screen sharing, data and ID capture, and the secure storage of compliant information. The platform is tailored to enhance workflow efficiency by minimizing errors in complex digital transactions and paperwork, ultimately enabling users to provide superior service to their customers. LiveOak Technologies operates as a subsidiary of DocuSign, Inc.

Self Financial, Inc., headquartered in Austin, Texas, operates a mobile application designed to assist individuals in building credit and saving money. Founded in 2014 and originally known as Self Lender, the company provides financial tools such as the Self Credit Builder Account and the Self Visa Credit Card. These offerings allow customers to create a credit builder account that facilitates the establishment of a positive payment history while simultaneously saving money, all without the need for a hard credit inquiry. Targeting those who are new to credit or lack access to traditional financial products, Self Financial aims to enhance economic inclusion and financial resilience through user-friendly solutions. The company's mission is to make credit-building accessible and straightforward, helping individuals improve their financial futures.

Stoplight, Inc. is a software company based in Austin, Texas, that specializes in API design, development, and documentation. Founded in 2014 and rebranded from Evario, Inc. in 2016, Stoplight offers a comprehensive toolkit that enhances the entire pre-production API lifecycle. Its platform enables organizations to effectively manage API workflows through features such as a visual design tool, automatic mocking, and collaboration capabilities. By facilitating design-first workflows, Stoplight helps teams develop APIs more efficiently while ensuring consistency and adherence to style guides. The company's tools also automate the documentation process, providing a seamless experience for both internal and external users. Overall, Stoplight aims to improve the quality and reliability of API development, allowing clients to build and test in parallel.

Self Financial, Inc., headquartered in Austin, Texas, operates a mobile application designed to assist individuals in building credit and saving money. Founded in 2014 and originally known as Self Lender, the company provides financial tools such as the Self Credit Builder Account and the Self Visa Credit Card. These offerings allow customers to create a credit builder account that facilitates the establishment of a positive payment history while simultaneously saving money, all without the need for a hard credit inquiry. Targeting those who are new to credit or lack access to traditional financial products, Self Financial aims to enhance economic inclusion and financial resilience through user-friendly solutions. The company's mission is to make credit-building accessible and straightforward, helping individuals improve their financial futures.

Self Financial, Inc., headquartered in Austin, Texas, operates a mobile application designed to assist individuals in building credit and saving money. Founded in 2014 and originally known as Self Lender, the company provides financial tools such as the Self Credit Builder Account and the Self Visa Credit Card. These offerings allow customers to create a credit builder account that facilitates the establishment of a positive payment history while simultaneously saving money, all without the need for a hard credit inquiry. Targeting those who are new to credit or lack access to traditional financial products, Self Financial aims to enhance economic inclusion and financial resilience through user-friendly solutions. The company's mission is to make credit-building accessible and straightforward, helping individuals improve their financial futures.

Self Financial, Inc., headquartered in Austin, Texas, operates a mobile application designed to assist individuals in building credit and saving money. Founded in 2014 and originally known as Self Lender, the company provides financial tools such as the Self Credit Builder Account and the Self Visa Credit Card. These offerings allow customers to create a credit builder account that facilitates the establishment of a positive payment history while simultaneously saving money, all without the need for a hard credit inquiry. Targeting those who are new to credit or lack access to traditional financial products, Self Financial aims to enhance economic inclusion and financial resilience through user-friendly solutions. The company's mission is to make credit-building accessible and straightforward, helping individuals improve their financial futures.

Bitfusion.io Inc. is a technology company based in Austin, Texas, focused on enhancing application performance through innovative software and hardware solutions. Founded in 2015, Bitfusion offers a range of products, including software designed to accelerate existing cloud and data center operations, hardware appliances that integrate software libraries for application acceleration, and the Bitfusion Supercloud, which provides on-demand access to cloud-based hardware accelerators such as FPGAs. These solutions are tailored for various applications, including computer vision, media encoding, scientific computing, and bioinformatics. The company aims to make at-scale heterogeneous computing accessible to organizations, enabling AI developers to effectively manage and optimize their compute resources. Bitfusion.io operates as a subsidiary of VMware, Inc., further extending its capabilities in the technology landscape.

Experiment Engine, Inc. is a conversion optimization platform headquartered in Austin, Texas, that specializes in managing testing programs and scaling experimentation for brands and agencies. Founded in 2014, the company provides tools that enable teams to plan, execute, and analyze testing projects effectively. Its platform facilitates collaboration on testing programs, offering access to design, development, copywriting, and quality assurance resources. By allowing users to conduct tests on various web page versions, Experiment Engine helps clients understand performance metrics and prioritize experiments based on data insights. The company serves diverse sectors, including e-commerce, publishing, lead generation, and agencies, and operates as a subsidiary of Optimizely, Inc. since 2017.

Filament Labs is a Techstars Austin ’13 company, building PatientIO, a patient engagement platform. It products, PatientIO, helps health professionals track and manage their patients’ health behaviors between visits. It helps patients adhere to complex treatment regimens and transmit relevant data back to their doctor. Filament Labs was founded in 2013 by [Jason Bornhorst](https://www.crunchbase.com/person/jason-bornhorst) and [Colin Anawaty](https://www.crunchbase.com/person/colin-anawaty). It is based in Austin, T.X.

MarketVibe is a company located in Austin, Texas, that focuses on enhancing marketing strategies for its clients. It provides tools for marketing optimization that leverage customers' web analytics and shopping cart data. By analyzing this data, MarketVibe helps businesses increase traffic, generate more leads, and ultimately boost sales. The company aims to connect clients with market trends and insights that align with their internal strategies, facilitating informed decision-making and improved marketing effectiveness.

Atlas Wearables, Inc. is a fitness-technology company based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2013. The company specializes in developing fitness monitors and activity trackers that enhance the workout experience by identifying exercises, counting repetitions and sets, calculating calories burned, and evaluating users' form. Its products feature exercise detection, smart weight input, and heart rate monitoring, providing live feedback during workouts to help users improve their performance. Atlas Wearables also offers applications compatible with iOS and Android devices, allowing users to track their fitness progress conveniently.

MarketVibe is a company located in Austin, Texas, that focuses on enhancing marketing strategies for its clients. It provides tools for marketing optimization that leverage customers' web analytics and shopping cart data. By analyzing this data, MarketVibe helps businesses increase traffic, generate more leads, and ultimately boost sales. The company aims to connect clients with market trends and insights that align with their internal strategies, facilitating informed decision-making and improved marketing effectiveness.

Written Inc. is a company based in Austin, Texas, that specializes in content marketing and audience development. Founded in 2012, it provides a platform that connects brands with bloggers, facilitating content licensing, syndication, and sponsored content. The services offered by Written Inc. enable brands to engage with precision-targeted audiences and achieve predictable returns on investment. At the same time, bloggers benefit by increasing their monetization opportunities and gaining exposure for their content. The platform supports WordPress websites, allowing for the rebranding and republishing of existing content, which helps brands expand their reach and boost conversions. Written Inc. aims to create a mutually beneficial environment for brands seeking effective content strategies and bloggers looking to enhance their influence and revenue.

Postmasters Inc. is a technology company based in Austin, Texas, focused on optimizing small-package logistics for businesses that utilize major carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS. Founded in 2012, the company offers a shipping optimization API that allows users to create shipments, track packages, and send notifications regarding shipment events. Additionally, it provides address validation to ensure accurate delivery. By simplifying carrier integration and delivering real-time shipment optimization, Postmasters helps businesses reduce shipping costs and enhance their logistics processes through data-driven insights and historical analytics.

MarketVibe is a company located in Austin, Texas, that focuses on enhancing marketing strategies for its clients. It provides tools for marketing optimization that leverage customers' web analytics and shopping cart data. By analyzing this data, MarketVibe helps businesses increase traffic, generate more leads, and ultimately boost sales. The company aims to connect clients with market trends and insights that align with their internal strategies, facilitating informed decision-making and improved marketing effectiveness.

Clusiv is an innovative e-learning platform specifically designed for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Founded in 2021 and based in Austin, Texas, Clusiv focuses on providing accessible vocational training that equips users with essential skills for the modern workforce. The platform offers self-paced courses that cover critical topics such as cloud file management, email proficiency, and virtual interview preparation, enabling users to confidently engage in remote job opportunities. By enhancing the employability of blind and visually impaired individuals, Clusiv aims to improve their employment outcomes and assist organizations in hiring and training diverse talent.