Connetic Ventures, based in Covington, Kentucky, and Marshall Ventures, based in Owensboro are excited to announce an investment in Wyzerr, a tech startup company moving from California to Kentucky.
Wyzerr is reinventing the way businesses collect and analyze data by building smart technology for consumer feedback that look and feel like games. Their edgy designs and ground-breaking technology make it possible to capture responses to 25 questions in under 60 seconds.
“It was imperative we were able to not only provide the funds they needed for the current pipeline, but also other resources they need for accelerated growth,” said John Moore, Founder of Marshall Ventures. “Kentucky has been considered a fly over state in the past,” added Moore, “but with the continued development of interest in the private sector along with the support of our State Government this is no longer the case.”
Brad Zapp, of Connetic Ventures, says Wyzerr was one of the recent stars of the Brandery Business Accelerator in Cincinnati, OH. The Brandery is respected as one of the top 15 business accelerators in the nation with over 1,000 startups applying each year and only ten to 12 companies being accepted. Acceptance to utilize the facilities and resources of the Brandery itself is a badge of honor.
“In the past companies like Wyzerr would have most likely completed the program and moved back to California to build their business,” said Zapp. “It has been tons of work but we are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such a high potential company,” added Zapp.
Moore and Zapp were together when Wyzerr founder Natasia Malaihollo first pitched her company back in August at the Connetic offices in Northern Kentucky. Both agreed that the business was simple to understand and provided an intelligent solution to a previously inefficient process. Working together to provide funding and other resources was a no brainer.
“We believe it is imperative that the private capital markets in our regions work together to compete with the more traditional regions like New York and California,” said Moore.
“It is a competitive world and our region’s economic future depends on investing in early stage business. It’s hard to get established businesses to just pick up and move. This deal would not have been possible without the Kentucky Investment Fund Act, a 40% tax credit for investing capital in Kentucky businesses. It is imperative our State continues to find ways to support this market” added Moore.
Wyzerr has moved all operations to Kentucky since completing their 12 week program at the Brandery. Current Wyzerr Founders Natasia Malaihollo and Stedmon Harper along with Bjorn Simmons, the VP of Sales and Marketing, have all relocated to Kentucky. As the business grows they will also be hiring additional team members from the region.
We hope our move to Kentucky will push more startup tech companies to look at Kentucky as a potential home. Innovation can happen anywhere. – Wyzerr founder Natasia Malaihollo
“We’ve met with many investors that like Wyzerr and see its potential, but there’s something magical that happens when you meet investors who truly believe in your vision and are just as passionate about your technology as you are,” said Malaihollo. “Connetic and Marshall Ventures have gone out of their way to help us grow our company from the very first meeting we had with them. We’re excited to officially have them on our journey to build Wyzerr businesses around the world.”
Marshall Ventures Fund is a $2 million fund located in Owensboro, KY. For additional information about the fund visit marshall.ventures or contact Fund Administrator Jamie Johnson at [email protected].
