ACCEL-KS Profile: Toadworx
As you’re probably well aware, we were awarded a grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce to support early-stage founders in Kansas. With that funding, we designed the ACCEL-KS Proof-of-Concept Grant, a program that provides up to $25,000 to help Kansas founders take their projects from idea to commercialization. Our program includes wraparound services with ecosystem partner support from across the region. We received far more applications than we expected, and after a rigorous review process, we selected 20 grant recipients. Now, we’re going to share more about the projects they’re working on. We asked each founder the same set of questions, and over the coming weeks, we’ll publish their answers.
Up next? Toadworx
Product name: LAM Mk1
What gave you the idea for your product or startup?
Our founders are experienced professional end users of night vision hardware, and were dissatisfied with the current state of availability of night vision hardware and tactical equipment. Our first product, the LAM Mk1, literally started as an idea on a piece of notebook paper in one of our kitchens.
What makes your product stand out?
The LAM Mk1 is engineered from the get-go for civilians and law enforcement - users who are cost-conscious but also understand that the equipment they buy can have life or death consequences. We have a heavy focus on ergonomics, innovative designs choices (inside the unit and out), and pricing for those without a defense budget.
What have you learned so far on your journey?
Hardware takes at least 3 times as long as you think! Every fix takes time and there's always another flaw or change you want to make. We have been fortunate enough to be able to do almost all of our engineering in-house, however, and this has forced us to be good at the basics. Keeping in design for manufacturing from an early stage saves a lot of headaches too. Just because you can design it in CAD and 3D print it doesn't mean it can realistically be made - especially for a price you're okay with!
How are the ACCEL-KS grant funds helping you reach the next stage of development?
The ACCEL-KS funds and the support of the Groover team has truly expedited our prototyping ability. What we previously had to do on the order of weeks now takes us hours in some instances. ACCEL-KS and Groover Labs are absolutely helping launch our idea from basement prototype to field-ready unit.
What kind of support do you need from the startup community?
Sourcing a wider network of suppliers, contract manufacturers, and enhancing our startup business skills are good for starters!
What is something interesting we should know about you or your project?
Between our three founders, there are 7 dogs and 4 (real) kids.
