As the new year begins, there are several innovative tech companies that really excite me as I think about the possibilities. The six companies below, in no particular order, are selected because either they are helping lead a disruption or they themselves are causing the disruption.
I will briefly outline why you should pay attention to these innovative tech companies. And feel free to include in the comments other products or companies that you will be following.
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#1 Coin
Coin allows you to consolidate your credit and debit cards onto one card and then choose which one to use at checkout (the video explains more). This way, you only have to carry one card around, yet still have access to any payment method. There is a lot happening in the world of payment right now and Coin solves a real consumer need.
The one challenge: security concerns. Although Coin has built several security features into the product, I expect consumers to still be apprehensive.
I would not be surprised at all if a larger player tries to buy Coin in the next 12 months.
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#2 SmartThings
The age of the Internet of Things, or connecting all our stuff, has begun and is expected to generate billions in revenue in 2014. From your lights to appliances to sound systems, consumers are putting their smartphones to use by taking control of their homes.
SmartThings offers an array of smart devices and solutions for your home. CEO Alex Hawkinson wants to grow its online store to make his company an app store of sorts within the category. About 3000 developers are currently using SmartThings’ technology to create connected devices.
With a strong design and reasonable price, SmartThings is positioning itself to compete well within home security and automation. In fact, SmartThings completed Series A funding in November and secured $12.5 million in financing.
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#3 Google Glass
Google Glass, which became available to “Explorers” or testers some time ago, is eyewear that augments reality for the wearer. Besides making wearers socially awkward, Glass is the stuff of futurists everywhere and capitalizes on the growing augmented reality trend.
Digital veteran Robert Scoble believes that Glass is doomed though for a few years. Why does he think that? Largely due to price. The price to beta testers is $1,500 and the expected price to consumers is somewhere north of $500, for now at least.
But when can consumers start buying? Google Chairman Eric Schmidt stated last August that the for sale date is set for some time in 2014. And that is why it’s on my list of innovative tech companies to watch this year.
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#4 23andMe
Self-quantification is a fast growing trend and 23andMe is leading the genetics charge. In a nutshell, 23andMe analyzes your saliva for health and ancestry markers. However, the FDA in recent months has questioned the health-related genetic testing causing 23andMe to suspend those test during a regulatory review process.
Regarding the ancestral analysis, a statement on 23andMe’s homepage reads, “We are continuing to provide you with both ancestry-related genetic tests and raw genetic data, without 23andMe’s interpretation.”
The reason to watch 23andMe this year is because of the FDA’s involvement and pending decision and the implications of that decision on commercial genetic testing.
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#5 Deltaprintr
I have heard firsthand from industry leaders across various industries that 3D printing has them excited. The technology allows for rapid and cost-effective prototyping, among other applications. The problem, though, for a small business or even individual is the cost of the printer itself. Deltaprintr set out to solve that very problem while still being able to print some pretty amazing things.
The team of college students has created a 3D printer with a very affordable price tag of $475 unassembled and $685 assembled. Deltaprintr’s Kickstarter campaign exceeded its goal by more than $40,000 and received wide media attention.
Deltaprintr is going to push the industry to introduce more affordable options, which bring with them many possibilities for small businesses. Definitely keep an eye on this innovative tech company.
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#6 AirBnB
AirBnB is using its platform to change how the hospitality industry works and how we as consumers think about available options. AirBnB allows you to book a room or entire home to rent from a private party while traveling.
Having booked more than 10 million guests in over 550,000 properties, AirBnB has been able to raise $200 million in capital. Gigaom penned a few days ago, “Airbnb is one of the most disruptive breakout startups to come out of Silicon Valley over the past few years.”
Further, consumers are starting to buy properties just to rent them out on AirBnb. Congratulations, you can now own a hotel.
In other words, AirBnB is maturing as a company and becoming more of a competitor and threat to traditional hotels. I’m excited to see it become more mainstream this year.
What innovative tech companies will you be watching?