Most of my days, I'm immersed in innovation happening on Boston's campuses and chatting with student entrepreneurs. But the entrepreneurial spirit doesn't die with graduation. A number of graduates decide to set local roots and launch companies here past their academic years.
I explored some of the most recently founded alumni startups Boston has to offer. And through my search, I stumbled upon several of the most fascinating ventures - and all for different reasons. Here are the startups that left me itching to find out more:
Public places aren't ideal (or usually socially acceptable) for catching some Zs. Sleepbox is going to change that perception entirely with its cozy, sound-proof pods, where individuals can nap, relax or work in absolute peace and quiet. According to its website, the venture is currently working on several projects, including one in Georgia, where their Sleepboxes will be available in airports. However, its AngelList page also mentions putting them in offices and throughout city centers.
You might feel like you've reached your social network limit, but if you're an avid traveler, think again. Excurvant is trying to become the social network for globetrotters, giving them an exclusive place to share photos and experiences with other travel-happy users. As the site describes, Excurvant is hoping to create "the world's first, crowd-sourced, comprehensive guide to travelling the world."
I'm a sucker for any startup related to dogs. (And if my piece on apps that let you borrow dogs is any indication, a lot of other people are, too.) So Slobbr is obviously landing on this list. The venture is making an Angie's List for dog owners, allowing users to explore fur-friendly spots and activities in their neighborhood and beyond. You will also be able to buy gifts for your beloved pooch through Slobbr.
What better way to spice up your relationship with an app? SizzleKey claims to help you "ditch your boring relationship routine forever" with a repository of ideas to reignite romance, a dare center that will entice you and your partner to get adventurous in the boudoir, a thread where you can leave one another love notes and a calendar of your milestones as a couple. I'm not sure what most of the app specs mean, but color me intrigued.
Curious Learning (Boston College)
In light of Microsoft's recent Tay fiasco, Curious Learning is about to redeem AI, showing the good that it can do. The venture has developed an AI app that enables children to teach themselves to read. Any child who has access to an Android device can use the research-proven method to gain literacy skills and the opportunities that come with them. The company has completed several pilots through the Global Literacy Project and are now getting ready to scale, which will give tens of millions of children the chance to teach themselves to read.
Featured image via Jorge Cancela, CC BY 2.0.
