Twelve months are coming to an end. With a number of natural disasters occurring this year – which many scientists tie into climate change – it is rewarding to work for a company that is helping to create sustainable communities while saving energy and helping families with their daily transportation needs.
Life in a startup often feels like a whirlwind…and my guess is that this will continue in 2018. But still, it’s a good time to review and look back on our achievements this year.
Here are our top 5 reasons to be thankful for 2017 and for everyone who helped us build the company so far:
- Our product is in use globally and we’ve won many awards: With users in more than 25 countries, who often schedule carpools many weeks in advance, we’ve seen worldwide interest in our solution. From Web Summit in Lisbon (semi-finalist) to being selected as a Top 10 Automotive Startup in LA, GoKid has now garnered global recognition and is certainly on the radar for OEMs, cities, and schools when it comes to introducing new mobility solutions.
- We closed important partnerships: We’ve partnered with Bosch and InMotion to build GoKid into vehicles and signed an LOI for an exclusive partnership with TeamSnap, the leading sports management tool with 15 million global users. Both product integrations are scheduled to go live in Q1 2018.
- We built our product like crazy: We launched GoKid Connect, now live at several schools; built and launched our web app; and our native Android app will go live early next year as well.
- We have amazing investors, mentors, and friends: The connections and introductions each of you bring to the table are invaluable, from Techstars to InMotion and the KI Group – our network spans many countries. Thanks to everyone who has helped us come so far! Please keep introducing us to corporate partnership opportunities, cities, schools, and digital partners.
- Proud of our team: It sounds cheesy, but in a hyper-competitive environment it takes a lot to keep good people…while we had some turnover, our team is hardworking and dedicated, and we’re looking forward to now growing on the partnership and marketing side
Our plans for 2018?
So far we’ve been focused on building products, now we are increasingly turning to partnership and distribution deals as we aim to grow our user base and revenue. What this means:
- Find new strategic partnerships to distribute into schools and school districts.
- Launch and grow existing partnerships (Bosch/ JLR/ TeamSnap).
- Evaluate new opportunities and prioritize closing new strategic partnerships in 2018.
- Enter larger pilots with government and corporate support.
- Evaluate licensing opportunities into new verticals.
What are your immediate plans for January – where to meet us next month?
- GoKid is exhibiting and speaking at CES/ Family Tech Area (Sands booth #44069) come and see us Jan. 9-12 in Las Vegas.
- We are speaking at the Living in Digital Times panel on Wednesday, January 10th at 3pm in Las Vegas and at the Eureka startup panel on January 11th at 2pm.
- GoKid is exhibiting at GENIVI’s Bellagio reception on January 9th from 6-9pm.
- GoKid has been nominated top 7 finalist in the Mobility Applications and Ridesharing space at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit; we are exhibiting at NAIAS Jan. 15-16 and are pitching on January 16th at 4pm.
- GoKid has been selected for the US 2018 ENERGY program and will be in Atlanta, GA to meet with partners and investors January 30th – February 2nd.
Please send us an e-mail should you be at any of the above events/locations. We’d love to connect.
Have a happy and safe 2018,
Stefanie + the entire GoKid team
