A real estate communications app and a restaurant accounting app both won the 2015 CodeLaunch competition.
The startup businesses will receive product development services and funding from software developer Code Authority, other partners and investors.
CodeLaunch is an annual competition hosted by Frisco-based Code Authority for early stage business startups based on software technology. Finalists present their ideas to a panel of judges during the competition’s conclusion, known as Pitch Day.
Clear2Close, created by mortgage loan originator Kathryn Moore, is a real estate app that allows all parties in a home buying transaction—buyer, seller, mortgage lender, Realtor, etc.—to stay in constant communication in real time throughout the process.
Moore said the app would be especially helpful for first-time home buyers.
“I feel that our mission statement really identifies who we are: we’re keeping everyone in the know in real time,” she said. “Buying a home is a huge financial transaction. Sometimes, it’s the largest transaction that most of us will encounter.”
Restaurant Automated Analytic Performance Score, or RAaPs Inc., created by Anthony Ball and Grant Morgan, allows restaurants both big and small to keep accurate financial records electronically. Morgan is a corporate chef for Front Burner Restaurants, and Ball has more than 20 years of restaurant accounting experience.
“This is going to potentially change our lives, and as a result we want to help people,” Ball said. “There are a lot of people who own a restaurant and have absolutely no idea what they’re doing. So we’re going to help them figure it out and not lose their life savings or their business or whatever is they dreamed about for years and years.”
Other CodeLaunch finalists included:
Kevin Jefferson and his app QuickTrades, which allows entrepreneurs to trade stock via a mobile app;
Adam Crabtree and his app Pyli, a social media app that allows users within a certain geographical location to post media and interact with other users in the same area;
Brian Teague and his app SalesFlash, which allows local businesses to send promotions or sales announcements to customers through one app;
and Eboni Garrett and Felicia Johnson for their app Activated Animations Literacy, which helps children learn to read through animations and vocal instruction.
