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NEW YORK: KAYWEB Angels has added two new investments to its growing portfolio of web and mobile startups, after agreeing to terms with busEasy and PicturPass.

KAYWEB Angels CEO, Haig Kayserian confirmed that the two successful applicants were selected from a pool of over 150 submissions to the New York-based angel investment firm's website, from which 20 were invited to pitch in person.

"We are very excited about these investments," said Kayserian. "The pool of applicants this Spring were high in quality, those who came in to pitch were brilliantly prepared, and busEasy and PicturPass stood out and commanded investment."

He added: "Our filtering process is very scientific, and not only did these startups score highly within the KAYWEB Angels Selection Method, their presenters also proved themselves as the right entrepreneurs to guide these companies to success."

Investment in busEasy and PicturPass takes the KAYWEB Angels portfolio to eight companies in total, joining Burringo, Cafrino, Do It In Person, Minute List It, WhoIsGreen.com and You Need My Guy in the company's stable.

busEasy, a concept presented by Australian duo Tony Fairweather and Tony Antoniou, will bring a new and long overdue dynamic to the consumer transportation industry with its unique web offering.

PicturPass, which was conceived and presented  by an 11-year-old girl from New Jersey, is a fun, social game application for the next generation.

KAYWEB Angels General Manager John Buckman said: "We have managed to diversify our portfolio further with these investments and we are looking forward to working with more quality entrepreneurs, as we do every single day."

KAYWEB Angels Portfolio People
Lauren Aichinger, WhoIsGreen.com

Tell us your name and where are you from?

My name is Lauren Aichinger, I am from Summit County, Colorado; currently living in New York City.

 

What you had for breakfast this morning?

This morning I had oatmeal with dates and bananas.

What are your favorite television shows and movies?

My favorite movies are documentaries, my favorite shows are ever changing… but something fun & easy like Modern Family.


Any favorite books?

One of my all time favorite books is ‘A short history of nearly everything’ by Bill Bryson.


iPhone or Android or what?

iPhone… live for it.


Facebook or Google+ or Twitter or what?

Facebook – with extremely limited participation. I like living my life in person, not through the computer screen.

Who are the hottest startups outside the KAYWEB Angels group right now and why?

My Red Rabbit, an awesome startup by a friend of mine in NYC. They cater farm fresh, nutritionally balanced and locally sourced meals to kids in school. Helps families, helps farmers, helps the environment, fights childhood obesity… can’t get much better than that!

 

What areas / opportunities are ripe for startups to tackle?

Problems / inconveniences in people’s everyday lives, on a personal level. People have too much to do and too little time to do it. They don’t want to spend their time on something that doesn’t simplify a task they already do.

 

Have you done any previous startups?

No. I previously worked in sales, earning a paycheck.

 

Outside of your startup what are you passionate about?

Healthy lifestyle, being outdoors, animals and travel.

Who has been or currently is an inspiration to you?

Many people in my life, who have managed to carve out a little path of their own, make a living and help others in the process.

 

YOUR STARTUP

 

With your startup currently in BETA LIVE stage, what is one problem you are addressing?

Access to and explanation of the ‘Green’ resources available in every local community. 

What led you to this right now instead of anything else?

I have a passion for the environment, and I think working everyday would be that much more pleasant if my work benefited my passion.

What is your current biggest challenge?

Streamlining the direction of our efforts and intentions; making the site purpose simple and appealing so that people will want to utilize it.

How can our readers help you get to your next step?

Join us at www.whoisgreen.com, give us feedback, and tell your friends about us! The more interaction our site has, the more information we have to improve it.

Let's play a prediction game. Let's say we are 12 months from now, and you are about to present to your board. How would you describe your progress?

I would predict increased number of users, and many partnerships with existing green specialty niches.


Now let's play the reflection game. Thing about who you were five years ago. What advice would you give the former you?

Try the new idea NOW.  Don’t wait any longer, you’ll only lose time.

NEW YORK: KAYWEB Angels sponsored the Do It In Person networking event in New York City nightspot, The Public House last month.

KAYWEB Angels CEO Haig Kayserian and General Manager John Buckman were in attendance, along with representatives of most of the company's six portfolio companies. The event was a major success with over 300 entrepreneurs in attendance.

Do It In Person is a portfolio company of KAYWEB Angels, developing a platform to allow communities to collaborate and gather.


SPONSOR BOARD


THE CROWD


KAYWEB Angels GM John Buckman


KAYWEB Angels CEO Haig Kayserian (beer in hand)

KAYWEB Angels CEO Haig Kayserian and General Manager John Buckman were interviewed at a networking event in New York City last month by Lauren Keyson of Disruptive Technologies.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

 

Tell us your name and where are you from?

David Burns, from Sydney Australia.


What you had for breakfast this morning?

Fruit Platter and a double shot cappuccino at a Manly Beachfront restaurant with my wife Tania and our new spoodle puppy Millicent.


What are your favorite television shows and movies?

My favorite television show is National Geographic's ‘Whale Wars’,  and my favourite movie is ‘Heat’ starring Al Pacino and Robert Deniro.


Any favorite books?

Surfing magazines. I just finished reading Paul Hawken’s ‘Blessed Unrest’.


iPhone or Android or what?

I have just recieved my new iPhone 4s today, so iPhone.


Facebook or Google+ or Twitter or what??

Whichever helps me increase my WHOISGREEN.COM database volume most!


Who are the hottest startups outside the KAYWEB Angels group right now and why?

Building IQ was one of five new businesses highlighted at this years Greenbuild 2011 exhibition with a solution for commercial buildings to learn how to perform better in the way they consume energy and water.


What areas / opportunities are ripe for startups to tackle?

Integrating real-time data into any business platform to increase the relevance of the customer experience.


Have you done any previous startups?

Yes, LabMark Analytical Laboratories which I started with two friends in 1997, to provide contract chemical testing of contaminated sites and testing of pharmaceutical medicines. The business was sold to a mid-sized VC (Champ Ventures) in 2008 with 82 employees and several contractors.


What was the best lesson you took away?

Always know who your are customers, always listen to them, and always perform.


Outside of your startup what are you passionate about?

I love nature and have a deep interest in Industrial Ecology.


Who has been or currently is an inspiration to you?

I tend to be inspired by many people who are everyday folk, and who prefer to give rather than receive or take.


YOUR STARTUP


What is the problem your startup is addressing?

Many people want to be green and live sustainably, but not everyone knows where to find green. WhoIsGreen.com is a directory of sustainable businesses across various industries, and our social media tools allow customers to communicate effectively with these sustainable businesses.


What led you to this right now instead of anything else?

My personal experience when building my sustainable home. It was the most fulfilling thing I have done, but was very difficult due to how un-accessible green businesses and products were. I thought there must be a better way, and now we've built it.


What is your current biggest challenge?

Making businesses realize that whoisgreen.com is an awesome place to tell the world you are green - regardless if you're a plumber, accountant, lawyer or banker!


How can our readers help you get to your next step?

Please go to www.whoisgreen.com and create a profile! It takes a minute. 


Let's play a prediction game. Let's say we are 12 months from now, and you are about to present to your board. How would you describe your progress?

We will have hundreds of thousands of claimed business profiles and be known as the best green business directory on the market, spreading the sustainable message to millions of businesses and customers every day!

KAYWEB Angels Portfolio People
Dan Arena, Burringo

Tell us your name and where are you from?

Dan Arena, from Monroe, Connecticut. I’m an Alumni from Fordham University currently living in Midtown NYC.


What you had for breakfast this morning?

This morning I had a granola bar and a glass of Orange Juice, however I am still regretting turning down the Ham, Egg and Cheese sandwich from the corner Deli.


What are your favorite television shows and movies?

My current three favorite TV shows are House, The Walking Dead and Breaking Bad. I also love watching Sportscenter in the mornings. My favorite movies are Gladiator and The Fighter.


Any favorite books?

A Splendid Exchange, Animal Farm, Sherlock Holmes, On the Beach and The World is Flat.


iPhone or Android or what?

I was actually a blackberry guy until about a month ago and I decided to get an iPhone. Now I don’t have the embarrassment of getting strange looks when asking other Entrepreneurs for their BBM!


Facebook or Google+ or Twitter or what??

Facebook all the way, I couldn’t survive without it. I’m getting used to Twitter now but I don’t think I’m exciting enough to give updates on my life every few minutes…Not yet at least.


Who are the hottest startups outside the KAYWEB Angels group right now and why?

I am a big fan and user of Venmo, which allows its users to transfer money via text message to friends and family with the click of a button. It makes living with 4 roommates very easy and it also keeps a log so I know who I’ve charged for utilities.

I also am excited for a startup called lemonade.com which allows people to list products they like on their facebook or blog and then when people buy off their link they get a percentage of the sale. It’s a cool way to foster the entrepreneurial gene and with no risk.


What areas / opportunities are ripe for startups to tackle?

I truly believe that the Real Estate industry is screaming to be brought it to the 21st Century. I feel that there has been a significant lag in its technological progress that undervalues its importance in society. Finding and choosing a home/apartment is a top decision that a person will make in their lifetime. In my opinion it is only natural to use technology to simplify and assist in this pivotal decision.


Have you done any previous startups?

Burringo will be my first! Before this I was working in advertising operations in New York City.


Outside of your startup what are you passionate about?

I love watching and playing baseball. I may know more about that than anything else in the world. I also love spending time with family and friends and always prioritize them first over anything else in my life.


Who has been or currently is an inspiration to you?

My biggest inspiration has been my parents. They have been incredibly supportive of every decision I have made in my life and they have given me confidence to pursue my dreams. Seeing how hard they both work to provide for my brother and I gives me the confidence to be dedicated and determined in achieving my goals.


You are currently in stealth so don't tell us what you are doing but give us a hint of the problem you are addressing?

The real estate industry will never be the same again when we are through with it.


What led you to this right now instead of anything else?

The idea itself is what led me to start a company. I know that this will be a game changer and it has always been my dream to have my own business. I believe in being proactive, and waiting gives the competition time to catch up.


What is your current biggest challenge?

 

We're looking to do some things that currently are not considered feasible by the market. Our biggest challenge is going to be convincing the market that it is possible, and we can execute on it given the opportunity.


How can our readers help you get to your next step?

If you currently live in New York City, please complete our renter survey, available here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/burringo-students.

If you are a broker or landlord in New York City, please complete our survey, available here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RBCCBKM.

And to everyone: head to the burringo.com landing page and submit your email to stay up to date on our progress!


Let's play a prediction game. Let's say we are 12 months from now, and you are about to present to your board. How would you describe your progress?

We have a strong control of our niche market that we expect to truly seize control of in the next few months.

Our customers are happy with the progress we've made, but are currently being tempted to use "me too" competitors that have popped up in the past few months. Fortunately, the established companies are still viewing us as a toy, but are beginning to get nervous.

We've successfully closed on a Series A round of funding that is going to give us the opportunity expand our product offerings within New York to give the customers more of what they want (and ideas I need to get out of my head).

Our total company size is still very lean (about 4). The ability to outsource some of our technology needs to our trusted partner, KAYWEB, has enabled us to continue to focus on growing the bottom line and not overhead.


Now let’s play the reflection game. Think about who you were five years ago. What advice would you give the former you (any topic)?

The most important thing I’ve learned about starting a company is to not be afraid to let your idea grow and change. I truly believe if you surround yourself with trusted and intelligent people your idea will change for the best. Often times founders get tunnel vision and only see one path to a solution.

It is important to trust others and be open to any and all criticism. Every person has a different point of reference and can always add value to your idea or process. The smartest founders are the ones that listen rather than preach. Be proactive not reactive!

KAYWEB Angels Portfolio People
Ryan Kirlin, Burringo

Tell us your name and where are you from?

My name is Ryan Patrick Kirlin and I'm originally from South Jersey. I attended college at Fordham University in New York City and have lived in New York ever since.


What you had for breakfast this morning?

Two eggs, whole wheat toast, an orange, and a banana. I try to keep a healthy breakfast!


What are your favorite television shows and movies?

My TV watching is very sporadic, so I like to watch tv series on demand so I can watch 2 or 3 in a row. The most recent show I watched was HBO's Game of Thrones. I'm still working on seeing the last two episodes (Ever!) of Entourage.


Any favorite books?

Lance Armstrong- It's Not About the Bike. It really taught me the meaning of persistence.

F Scott Fitzgerald- The Great Gatsby. Love the mystery surrounding Jay Gastby.


iPhone or Android or what?

iPhone.


Facebook or Google+ or Twitter or what??

Twitter! Gotta love the underdog.


Who are the hottest startups outside the KAYWEB Angels group right now and why?

Hard to say so let's break it into startups I love the most right now in different categories.

Design: Hipmunk. So clean and awesome of them to come up with a new way to rank flights.

Usefulness: Venmo.  They have made the process of collecting rent from roommates/splitting a bill at dinner/any small exchange of money between friends effortless. Solid app too.

Potential: AirBnB. Explosive growth. Will be interesting to see where they head with so many "AirBnB's of (insert industry here)" popping up.


What areas / opportunities are ripe for startups to tackle?

Real Estate, Finance, Healthcare, Education. Prevailing commonality amongst all of these is start ups are largely constricted by regulation in these industries. I imagine more startups will just go the Uber Cabs route, and just fix the problem at hand and dare the regulators to stop them.


Have you done any previous startups?

Growing up I was always the standard little kid entreprenuer. Lemonade stands, selling my mom's old books, collecting cool shells at the beach in the morning then selling in the afternoon.

In college, I was able to create a revenue stream from one of the local bars of $200 a week for doing nothing (college millionaire) but that may be a story for another time!

Currently, I work in the financial industry in New York City.


Outside of your startup what are you passionate about?

Rowing is my passion. I've been rowing for 11 years now.  I recently made the U.S. National Team and will be competing at the Pan American Games October 15th-19th.


Who has been or currently is an inspiration to you?

My father. He is the most resilient person I know. He's been knocked down more than anyone I know, but has always found the fortitude to keep moving forward.

He was a grunt for the Marines in the Vietnam War. Being the first in his family to attend college upon returning, he had no real guidance on how to succeed in life. He figured it out though and continues to succeed as an entreprenuer himself.

My mother taught me how to be completely selfless and just help people who need help. Karma will figure it all out in the long run.


YOUR STARTUP

You are currently in stealth so don't tell us what you are doing but give us a hint of the problem you are addressing?

We're looking to create a vertically integrated real estate company that's going to transform the way real estate is done.  We have a list of problems we want to fix, so all I can say is, Stay Tuned!


What led you to this right now instead of anything else?

My own frustration. Along with my co-founder Dan Arena, we're fixing problems that we want fixed. Through our own research, we've discovered that most people tend to agree with us on the problems that need fixing.


What is your current biggest challenge?

We're looking to do some things that currently are not considered feasible by the market. Our biggest challenge is going to be convincing the market that it is possible, and we can execute on it given the opportunity.


How can our readers help you get to your next step?

If you currently live in New York City, please complete our renter survey, available here.

If you are a broker or landlord in New York City, please complete our survey, available here.

And to everyone: head to the burringo.com landing page and submit your email to stay up to date on our progress!


Let's play a prediction game. Let's say we are 12 months from now, and you are about to present to your board. How would you describe your progress?

We have a strong control of our niche market that we expect to truly seize control of in the next few months.

Our customers are happy with the progress we've made, but are currently being tempted to use "me too" competitors that have popped up in the past few months. Fortunately, the established companies are still viewing us as a toy, but are beginning to get nervous.

We've successfully closed on a Series A round of funding that is going to give us the opportunity expand our product offerings within New York to give the customers more of what they want (and ideas I need to get out of my head).

Our total company size is still very lean (about 4). The ability to outsource some of our technology needs to our trusted partner, Kayweb, has enabled us to continue to focus on growing the bottom line and not overhead.


Now let’s play the reflection game.  Think about who you were five years ago.  What advice would you give the former you (any topic)?

Minor in computer science.

Get into the New York Tech scene as soon as you arrive on campus at Fordham.

Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. Go create as much luck as you can.