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TixNix Insider
Issue 1 - June 2004 |
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In this issue:
TixNix.com Places Second in Edward L. Kaplan New Venture Challenge (Chicago, Illinois) From a crowded field of nearly 60 entrants in fields from biotech to software to retail, TixNix won 2nd place in this year's prestigious University of Chicago Graduate School of Business Edward L. Kaplan New Venture Challenge. Held annually, the New Venture Challenge is one of the nation's leading business plan competitions. Entrants submit a business plan and executive summary of their business to be judged by a panel of business school professors, venture capitalists and successful entrepreneurs. This year's judges included executives from ARCH Venture Partners, MK Capital, Oxford Capital Group, Sevin Rosen Funds, and William Blair Capital Partners amongst others. Having successfully been selected in February to continue on to Phase II of the competition, the TixNix team went to work to refine the TixNix business model and product to meet the stringent criteria of the competition's judges - and all the hard work paid off. In June's final competition, TixNix Co-Founder and COO Andrew Massie and Co-Founder and CEO Steve Ehrenreich presented a compelling snapshot of the TixNix model in person to 25 judges. According to Massie, "TixNix placed well because it is an operating business homegrown at the University of Chicago GSB. Customers, a revenue stream and an established presence in the marketplace were icing on the cake. The judges were all extremely impressed with what we had accomplished thus far, and were certain of our business' future success." As the second place winner, TixNix received a cash prize of $10,000. More significantly, however, the New Venture Challenge has piqued investors' interest. TixNix has already received investments from individual investors, and is currently in discussions with venture capital firms to secure funding to move the business forward. Information on the Edward Kaplan New Venture Challenge Truckers Turning to WiFi on the Road 10 years ago, truckers had to rely on pay phones, the U.S. postal service and the tried-and-true C.B. radio to stay in touch with friends, family and their companies and clients. In today's wireless world, however, the Internet is fast becoming truckers' preferred method of both communication and commerce. An increasing number of truck drivers now count a laptop with wireless Internet access among their essential equipment. Existing companies that cater to truckers, as well as new companies, have turned their attention to addressing the wireless needs of professional drivers. Truck Stops such as Flying J, Petro and Pilot offer wireless hotspots so that truckers may access email, Web-based company cargo logs and commerce sites such as Amazon.com. In addition, new companies such as truckstop.net and etrucker.com are offering expanded WiFi services, online trucker communities and more to truckers. TixNix is currently investigating advertising and business development with these companies to bring the TixNix service directly to the drivers that need it the most. Stay tuned for more exciting developments as we begin to tap into the lucrative targeted market. Information on truck drivers' use of WiFi and the Internet In addition, the state of Texas is currently planning on unveiling WiFi hotspots in all 84 of its rest stops, providing truckers with even more places to access the Internet while on the road. With four hotspots currently operating with very positive feedback, it is only a matter of time before Texas' entire highway system includes WiFi access for travelers on the road. Information on the Texas plan to roll out WiFi hotspots around the state TixNix Adds Shawn Pabst to Develop Business in Western U.S. Shawn Pabst has officially joined TixNix to cover business development and attorney recruitment for the Western United States. Shawn is a licensed Texas attorney with extensive consumer and B2B sales experience. Shawn will be working with TixNix to develop its attorney network and develop business opportunities with companies and related service providers. About TixNix.com and TacitLogic TixNix.com is a service of TacitLogic, Inc. TixNix allows individual lawyers and small law offices to leverage their resources to provide efficient, effective online moving violation representation to new and existing clients. TixNix is currently operating in most of Texas, with plans to expand nationwide shortly. TacitLogic helps attorneys and law firms to adapt and thrive in an increasingly digital economy. TacitLogic's Advisor products improve the liquidity of an attorney's knowledge, strengthen client relationships, and offer new ways to create and capture value for attorneys and law offices. Drivers: Please visit TixNix.com to learn more about our unique service. Attorneys: Please contact Shawn Pabst, Director of Sales, at shawn@tixnix.com to receive a brochure & product demonstration. Investors: Please contact Drew Massie, Founder & COO, at drew@tixnix.com to receive a business plan & term sheet. Unsubscribe: TixNix Insider is published monthly. If you wish to unsubscribe from our mailing list, please reply to this message with unsubscribe in the subject line. Archives: Click here to view prior issues of the TixNix Insider. Feedback: We always welcome your feedback. Please tell us what improvements you'd like to see by sending your suggestions to info@tixnix.com. © 2004 TacitLogic, Inc. All Rights Reserved. TixNix and the TixNix logo are registered trademarks of TacitLogic, Inc. |