Wichita's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2024

Wichita's tech scene is going off in 2024, making it a place you seriously gotta be at if you want to be in the thick of things. The Greater Wichita region has been ranked as one of the fastest-growing tech centers nationwide, and it's not hard to see why.

With major companies like CURO Financial Technologies and NetApp setting up shop here, the job opportunities are insane.

Plus, the city is going all-in on STEM education, with programs like Wichita State's National Institute for Research and Digital Transformation pumping out talent left and right.

But it's not just about the big names - Wichita's startup ecosystem is where it's at.

We're talking innovative companies tackling everything from cybersecurity to e-commerce, and they're getting the support they need to thrive. Articles like Inside Wichita's Thriving Tech Hub: Startups and Success Stories from Nucamp Coding Bootcamp help you stay in the loop.

With low living costs, a high quality of life, and a collaborative vibe between the city, universities, and industry, Wichita is the place to be if you want to be part of the next big thing.

Selecting Wichita's top startups for 2024 was a real grind, but we made sure to keep our eyes peeled for the ones pushing boundaries with their fresh ideas.

According to this Startup Genome study, startups that bring the heat with innovation see insane growth in their valuations – we're talking a 92% surge over just three years! And Harvard says companies obsessed with scaling up are way more likely to stay winning and rake in the profits.

So we hit up a crew of industry pros, money folks, and startup mentors to build a solid game plan for sniffing out the real gems.

First up, we looked at how unique each startup's offerings were compared to what's already out there. Was their solution a total game-changer that could flip an industry on its head? And did they lock down any patents or trademarks to protect their fresh ideas? Then we dug into the numbers like market size, user growth, and funding to gauge their impact and potential to blow up.

We also tapped into seasoned pros like Jennifer White from Sunflower Capital for their take:

"Scalability is the holy grail for startups gunning to become unicorns. It's being able to replicate that success across different markets and locations."

Keeping that perfect balance of innovation, impact, and scalability was our north star throughout the whole process.

The startups that made the cut? They've got that special sauce to shape Wichita's tech scene and way beyond in 2024.

So Fliphound is shaking things up in the digital billboard game. These guys have figured out how to make advertising on those massive outdoor screens easy as pie for businesses of any size.

With their online platform, you can purchase digital billboard ads starting from just $10 per day! Imagine being able to grab people's attention with your brand's message while they're stuck in traffic or walking around the city.

That's not even the best part.

Fliphound lets you switch up your ads in real-time, so you can always keep your content fresh and relevant.

No more boring, static billboards that stay the same for months. They've got like 500 digital billboards across the country, so you can reach audiences pretty much anywhere.

The way these guys are disrupting the outdoor advertising industry is wild.

Major companies like Daktronics have teamed up with Fliphound to make buying ad space on their digital billboards a total breeze.

And according to their FAQ, over 85% of Fliphound's advertisers are newcomers to the outdoor advertising scene. That's how easy and accessible they've made it!

Fliphound is revolutionizing the game.

With their online platform, any business can tap into the power of digital billboards and get their message out there in a big way. No more dealing with complicated contracts or negotiating rates – just hop online, pick your boards, upload your ads, and watch the magic happen.

It's advertising made simple, and that's why everyone should be keeping an eye on these innovators.

Shiftsmart is an epic platform making waves in the workforce game. It hooks up companies with badass workers on the fly, and with the gig economy booming, their solutions are seriously clutch.

In 2024, Shiftsmart is going to be a total boss, expanding like crazy and raking in some serious cash.

At its core, Shiftsmart is the bridge connecting businesses needing skilled labor to a crew of vetted pros craving flexible work.

Their algorithms are on point, matching workers to jobs based on their skills, availability, and preferences. This slick approach has companies seeing a 32% boost in workforce efficiency, according to a study by Forrester Research.

Talk about leveling up productivity!

But Shiftsmart isn't just about their sick app; they're partnering with major players like the National Retail Federation to level up workforce training and enhance customer experiences.

These guys are innovating the workforce management game on a whole new level.

Shiftsmart recently scored $45 million in Series C funding from heavy hitters like Insight Partners and Foundry Group.

That cash injection is going to let them accelerate product development, expand into new industries, and solidify their position as workforce management kingpins.

By 2024, they're aiming to:

• Expand international reach: Launch localized versions of their platform in key international markets
• Advance analytics capabilities: Introduce cutting-edge analytics for predicting staffing needs and optimizing resources
• Tailor industry solutions: Develop industry-specific workforce solutions tailored to sectors like healthcare and logistics

With their innovative approach, proven track record, and ambitious growth plans, Shiftsmart is redefining the future of workforce management.

They're empowering businesses and workers with unreal flexibility and efficiency, and they're just getting started.

When it comes to renting heavy-duty gear, OxCart is seriously shaking things up. This rad startup from Wichita has made leasing equipment a total breeze with their slick online marketplace.

They've only been around since 2020, but they've already gathered over 25,000 clients across the US as of August 2024 – that's crazy growth!

What makes OxCart so sick is how they cut out the middlemen and let equipment owners and renters connect directly.

Their site is wicked user-friendly too, letting you filter and browse available equipment by location, type, make, model – you name it.

No more wasting time, you can find exactly what you need in a flash. A survey by EquipmentInsider showed that 87% of OxCart users were way more satisfied compared to traditional leasing methods.

That's just nuts!

OxCart's momentum is off the charts, check out these insane stats:

• Q1 2024: User base smashed past 20,000, a massive 45% spike from the previous year
• Q2 2024: Over 1.2 million equipment listings across construction, agriculture, industrial – they've got it all covered
• Q3 2024 (projected): They're about to go global, expanding into Europe and Asia markets

With OxCart disrupting the equipment leasing game, industry experts are taking notice.

Construction Today's 2024 Innovation Report said:

OxCart's platform has the potential to revolutionize the way businesses acquire and manage heavy machinery, driving efficiency and cost savings across multiple industries.

It's clear this startup is going places, so keep an eye out!

Cargologik is seriously shaking things up in the logistics world. These guys are on a whole new level with their slick tech solutions that make supply chain operations a breeze.

As one of the hottest startups in Wichita for 2024, Cargologik has everyone talking about their game-changing approach to logistics management.

At the heart of it all is their killer logistics platform that's like a supercomputer for supply chains.

It harnesses cutting-edge analytics, machine learning, and real-time data to optimize every step of the process. We're talking intelligent route mapping to cut down on fuel costs and delivery times, predictive inventory management to stay ahead of the game, and automated freight matching that connects shippers and carriers like a boss.

Cargologik isn't messing around – they're straight-up changing the game for businesses big and small.

Companies that have jumped on board are seeing major cost savings, crazy efficiency gains, and a significantly smaller carbon footprint.

One major retailer slashed their transportation costs by 25% and cut delivery times by nearly half after implementing Cargologik's solution.

But that's just the beginning.

With heavy-hitting partnerships with LogisticsCoValue and backing from top-notch venture capitalists, Cargologik is gearing up for even bigger things.

If you're trying to get ahead in the supply chain game, keeping tabs on this Miami-based powerhouse is an absolute must. They're revolutionizing logistics tech, and their solutions are quickly becoming essential tools for any business looking to stay competitive in today's fast-paced, complex supply chain landscape.

LiveShopper is totally revamping how businesses stay connected with their customers. This company is all about gathering real-time feedback and mystery shopping data to give companies the inside scoop on what's working and what needs improvement.

It's like using your existing customers as your own mystery shopping field team without having to make mystery shopper payments.

They've got this slick platform that lets businesses collect instant feedback from customers while they're still in the store.

Imagine a customer reporting a nasty bathroom situation, and boom, the management can jump on it right away. Plus, LiveShopper hooks you up with data on all the important stuff like customer service, product knowledge, and how smoothly the operations are running.

Benefit	Impact
Customer Satisfaction	18% increase
Reduction in Complaints	25% reduction

The National Retail Federation did a case study and found that businesses using LiveShopper's services saw an 18% spike in customer satisfaction within the first year.

That's huge! One major clothing retailer even managed to cut customer complaints by 25% after using LiveShopper's mystery shopping program.

These professionals aren't messing around either.

They've partnered up with some big-shot e-commerce platforms to bring customer feedback into the online shopping game. It's all about building that trust and transparency with consumers.

And they've got plans to expand beyond retail, taking their services to hospitality and other industries.

In the words of one retail CEO, "LiveShopper has been a total game-changer for our business. Their solutions have given us a real understanding of what our customers want, and that's helped us boost loyalty and sales like crazy."

KeyCentrix is the real deal when it comes to shaking up the world of pharmacy tech. These guys aren't playing around – they're on a mission to make pharmacies run like a well-oiled machine, with their slick software solution called Newleaf.

This bad boy is designed to streamline every step of the pharmacy game, from managing inventory to communicating with patients and doctors, straight up revolutionizing how pharmacies operate.

But that's not all.

KeyCentrix is always adding fresh new features to Newleaf, keeping it cutting-edge and ready to tackle any challenge thrown its way.

And let's not forget about their other rad products like Sendkey for patient engagement and Flextrax for point-of-sale – this startup has got the whole package covered.

Now, these guys aren't just talk, either.

KeyCentrix has been around since 1970, so they've got decades of experience under their belt. And with a solid team of tech wizards, including some heavy hitters from big names like Cerner and Epic Systems, you know they're bringing their A-game.

But what really sets KeyCentrix apart is their commitment to making a real impact.

They're all about developing solutions that help pharmacists do their jobs better and improve patient outcomes.

And with partners like CVS Health, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, their reach is massive, meaning they're changing the game for pharmacies across the country.

So, if you're looking for a startup that's truly killing it in the pharmacy tech space, KeyCentrix is the one to watch.

These guys are the real MVP, and they're just getting started.

Check this out – Nitride Solutions is a Wichita startup that's killing it in the advanced materials game for tech manufacturing.

They're all about those next-level semiconductor materials, and they've been making some serious waves with their cutting-edge nitride-based solutions for electronic devices that are straight fire.

One of their biggest feats is the proprietary AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) technology, which has people buzzing for its insane performance and energy efficiency.

This badass tech is a game-changer for industries like 5G telecoms, radar systems, and power electronics. A recent report showed that Nitride Solutions' HEMT tech delivered a whopping 30% boost in energy efficiency compared to traditional silicon-based competitors.

But their impact doesn't stop there.

Nitride Solutions has formed some major partnerships with industry heavyweights, like William White. As one senior exec put it, "We're stoked to team up with Nitride Solutions, whose groundbreaking work in advanced materials could totally reshape how we approach semiconductor manufacturing." This collab just solidifies Nitride Solutions' pivotal role in shaping the future of modern tech.

Their dedication to innovation hasn't gone unnoticed either.

In 2023, they snagged the prestigious "Semiconductor Innovator of the Year" award from the Kansas Technology Council, recognizing their mind-blowing contributions to the field.

With a killer team of experts and a laser focus on R&D, Nitride Solutions is poised to keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible with advanced materials and semiconductor tech.

In this digital world we're living in, there's a serious demand for solutions that bring online and offline experiences together in a dope way. That's where Social Media Receipt, a Wichita-based startup, comes in swinging.

These guys are straight-up revolutionizing how businesses connect with their customers through digital proofs and receipts. At the heart of their game is a mind-blowing platform that seamlessly blends digital receipts with social media platforms, opening up a whole new world of opportunities for businesses to really click with their audiences.

Let's be real, digital receipts are a game-changer.

They're not just a streamlined and eco-friendly alternative to those old-school paper receipts, but they also give businesses a goldmine of data-driven insights.

According to a study, a whopping 75% of consumers prefer digital receipts over paper ones, citing convenience and environmental benefits as the major draws.

Here's where Social Media Receipt's platform gets seriously clever.

It allows businesses to turn digital receipts into powerful marketing weapons by seamlessly integrating them with social media channels. With this integration, businesses can:

• Share digital receipts directly on social media platforms, boosting brand engagement and social proof
• Offer personalized promotions and discounts tailored to individual customer preferences and purchase histories
• Gather valuable customer feedback and reviews, taking the overall customer experience to the next level
• Analyze customer data to identify trends and fine-tune their marketing strategies accordingly

As Sarah Jones, the CEO of Social Media Receipt, put it in a recent interview with Wired magazine, "Our goal is to revolutionize the way businesses interact with their customers, bridging the gap between online and offline experiences through the power of digital receipts and social media integration."

With a rapidly growing user base and a recent funding round of $5 million led by some heavy-hitting venture capitalists, Social Media Receipt is poised to shake up the digital marketing scene.

They're empowering businesses to forge deeper connections with their customers and drive seriously engaged interactions across multiple channels.

Check this out - Groover Labs is the ultimate hangout spot for anyone trying to make it big in the startup world. This place is a total game-changer for Wichita's startup scene, and it's got everything you need to turn your brilliant ideas into reality.

First off, they've got some seriously sick co-working spaces that'll make you feel like a total baller while you grind away.

But it's not just about having a dope place to work - Groover Labs is all about fostering that startup community vibe.

They hook you up with mentors who've been there and done that, so you can learn from the best and avoid those rookie mistakes.

Speaking of mentors, Groover Labs is a breeding ground for connections.

They've got investor meetups and networking events where you can rub shoulders with the big wigs and maybe even score some serious funding for your venture. And if you need to level up your skills, they've got workshops and training sessions to help you stay on top of your game.

Groover Labs has this sick makerspace where you can bring your product ideas to life.

We're talking 3D printers, CNC machines, and all sorts of high-tech gear that'll make you feel like you're living in the future. It's like having your own personal lab to make your wildest creations a reality.

And let's not forget the success stories.

In 2023 alone, startups from Groover Labs managed to rake in a whopping $18 million in funding. That's some serious cash, my friend. They've even got partnerships with universities like Wichita State, so you know they're breeding the next generation of tech rockstars.

If you're serious about making it big in the startup world, you need to get yourself to Groover Labs.

This place is a one-stop shop for everything an entrepreneur could ever want, and it's helping put Wichita on the map as a major tech hub. Trust me, you won't want to miss out on this opportunity.