Google's Project Sunroof launches in Arizona

The Phoenix Metropolitan area averages 211 clear days and 85 partly cloudy days each year according to azcentral.com, making our sunny state a perfect candidate for Google’s Project Sunroof.   Project Sunroof is a solar power initiative and an online source for households interested in utilizing solar energy to power their homes and cut electricity … Read more

Women social network app Monarq launches in Phoenix

In a spread out, transient city like Phoenix, connecting with others in the community can be difficult. The founders behind Monarq are looking to help this gap by creating a platform where women can meet and develop friendships. “We found a deep need for connection,” Monarq co-founder Irene Ryabaya said. “There’s not an easy way … Read more

ASU Fulton Engineer School launches Startup Center, holds Demo Day competition

Co-written with Chloe Nordquist Arizona State University’s Fulton Schools officially launched their Startup Center Thursday as a way to empower undergraduate and graduate students within the schools to explore entrepreneurial ideas. The Center will offer innovation courses, workshops, mentoring and other events. “We’ve positioned this competition to be at the top of the funnel in … Read more

Amazon Prime Now one-hour delivery launches in the Valley

Whether you’re a procrastinator or just want something now, getting items on-demand is becoming the new norm. Today, Amazon announced its Prime Now one-hour delivery service available in Phoenix and surrounding areas such as Tempe, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Mesa, Glendale and Chandler.   This service is offered exclusively as a benefit to Prime members and the company can … Read more

Twazer, a Craigslist for college students, launches at UA

There’s Craigslist, eBay and Amazon, and now there’s an e-commerce app that’s tailored specifically to the college student population. Peer-to-peer and geo-location marketplace Twazer has created a space where users are required to have an .edu login email in order to download the app and sell their stuff.  [youtube]https://youtu.be/IqkhrRqktAg[/youtube]   “Twazer is a mobile app … Read more

Launch a business at Startup Weekend Phoenix, kicks off Nov. 20-22

Co-written with Chloe Nordquist Innovators and entrepreneurs of all specialties are invited to attend the Phoenix Startup Weekend November 20-22. For 54 hours, developers, designers, marketers, managers, and entrepreneurs will come together to expand ideas, form teams, and build products with the end goal of launching a startup. Robert Haines, Global Business Development and Partnership … Read more

Grand Canyon University launches Canyon Angels investment group geared to early-stage startups

A new angel group has emerged in Arizona and it’s found on the campus of Grand Canyon University (GCU). Canyon Angels spawned out of the success of GCU’s Canyon Challenge, where 70 teams competed for a $15,000 prize. The group was solidified through the Colangelo College of Business at GCU and Jerry Colangelo, with the goal of … Read more

CO+HOOTS launches socially-conscious art marketplace

The founders of CO+HOOTS have launched their fourth business in Phoenix — an ecommerce site for art prints where a portion of the proceeds are sent back into a community. Odeen Domingo and his wife Jenny Poon have acquired, rebranded, and launched Fresh Words Market, a marketplace that features art prints with positive messaging. “We … Read more

Local activist launches Hopscratch, business in a box for startups

For those tired of working for someone else and want to break out and start a business, figuring out how to put all the pieces in place can become overwhelming. Hopscratch, a holistic business infrastructure service in a box, launched last week to help newbie entrepreneurs maneuver through the mundane paperwork, tasks and chaos needed … Read more

Ryver takes aim at Slack, launches free team communication platform

Ryver, a team communication software platform, is looking to make their mark in the team collaboration tool market and have their crosshairs on Slack. Ryver came out of beta last week and released their product for all to use for free. While the company plans to convert Slack users, they are also targeting small businesses that use … Read more