Zócalo Group town square blog

This past weekend, eleven new startups from Techstars Boulder were released into the wild and Zocalo Group was there to learn about these rising new companies. Each year, Techstars receives 1,200 applicants, from which they pick 12 to mentor, challenge, fund and grow. Startups are an important part of the tech ecosystem and as they continue to bring new ideas to life and disrupt existing industries. As a social media and WOM marketing agency, it’s important for us to keep our fingers on the pulse of what’s going on. We must work to find the right opportunities to bring them into the mix. Other times, these startups are a bit more consumer or B2B focused, but valuable for us to know about because they’re pushing the envelope and help us extend what we know and imagine as even possible.

Here’s a quick summary of three of the eleven companies we think are filling a void and will see great success.

VerbalizeIt

International travel allows you to experience a different culture but the language barrier can be quite the challenge. VerbalizeIt is an app that delivers real-time phone and mobile app-based access to human translators to make sure that nothing is ever lost in translation. The idea taps into the one billion people who speak a second language who may have time to do some translating. Traditional methods of translation are expensive but VerbalizeIt makes it happen at prices starting at just $.50 per minute.

RollSale

Looking to upgrade your vehicle but think that trading it in will result in being ripped off at the dealership? RollSale allows you to list your car online for multiple dealers to bid on so that you can get the best return. Cha-ching! Since dealers actually want to purchase used cars, they often rely on wholesale auctions or people walking into their dealership for inventory. Now, they are able to acquire the cars they want, even if the seller wants to purchase a vehicle from a different dealer.

Ubooly

Move over Furby, and make room for Ubooly. This smart and fluffy toy or “smarttoy” is powered by a mobile device. The device allows adults and children to play games, talk and download educational learning packs. Ubooly has continued to refine its software, games and cuteness. Once purchased, the Ubooly iOS app is updated every month with activities. Just make sure you get your hands on one.

Want to learn more about the other Techstars? Read up on them here. What are your thoughts about these superstar startups? Do you plan to use any of these startups’ services or products, or recommend them to a friend?