Tag: kik

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AC Grad Kik introduces hashtags to bring mini social networks to its messaging service

Messaging app Kik is embracing one of the hallmarks of social networks after it introduced hashtags to its service. An update to the iOS and Android apps today turns hashtags into clickable links to chat groups where Kik believes like minded users can congregate to discuss topics, share photos/information and (potentially) meet new people.

It’s been a busy year for Kik. The Canadian company recently raised $38 million and completed its first acquisition (buying messaging app GIF Relay) — 2014 has seen it push into content and monetization with the launch of an in-app browser to bring the internet to chats, promoted chats to (finally) involve brands, and more safety features.

To read the full article, click here.

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AC Grads populate Deloitte Technology Fast 50™

The Deloitte Technology Fast 50™ is an annual recognition celebrating innovation, entrepreneurship, achievements and evolution in the Canadian technology industry. Companies are ranked in three categories: Technology Fast 50™; Companies to Watch and the prestigious Leadership awards.

This year’s group of 2014 winners grew an average of 4736% over five years, and produced the highest revenue growth rate for Canada’s fastest growing companies since 2011. This year, Deloitte is also recognizing a record 15 companies in the Companies to Watch category.

Once again, we’re thrilled to brag (just a bit) that AC grads are represented in this the 2014 Deloitte Technology Fast 50™. Miovision, one of the first companies to graduate from the Accelerator Centre, ranked 19th on the Fast 50™ list, putting up an impressive 749% growth rate. AC graduates Axonify and Kik also make the Companies to Watch list.

Here’s Deloitte’s web site with all the details. http://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/ca/Documents/technology-media-telecommunications/ca-en-tmt-technology-fast-50-winners-2014.pdf

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The Accelerator Centre, Clients and Graduates Fill the Pages of the New 2014 Waterloo Region Record Technology Spotlight

techThe latest Technology Spotlight hit the streets this week in Waterloo Region, and the Accelerator Centre along with its Clients and Graduates fill the issue’s pages with stories of startup life and business success.

This year’s edition features interviews with AC CEO Paul Salvini and Board Chair/Angel Investor Michael Stork. It also includes stories on companies who have benefited from the AC’s incubation services including AntVibes, Universal Quantum Devices (UQD) (a startup out of the Institute of Quantum Computing), MyLocal, Tyromer and RENOMii, along with features on AC Graduates Axonify, Clearpath Robotics, CrossChasm, DeepTrekker, Primal Fusion, InfiniDy, LoyaltyMatch, Kik, and Trustpoint Innovation Technologies.

“With an estimated 1000 startups in the Region, it is quite an accomplishment to have 14 of the 22 featured companies in this Tech Spotlight connected to the Accelerator Centre,” says AC CEO Paul Salvini. “We often talk about the impact our Client companies and Graduates are having on the Waterloo Region economy, creating thousands of jobs and generating hundreds of millions in revenue and investment. But to see the stories behind those numbers come to life on the pages of the Technology Spotlight has our team brimming with pride.

“Our staff and world-class mentors work hard to develop and deliver the highest quality programming for our Clients. The ultimate measure of our success as an accelerator is the economic impact of its clients. This year’s Technology Spotlight clearly shows that we’re on the right track.”

A hard copy of the 2014 Tech Spotlight was distributed to the Waterloo Region Record’s readership along with the paper this week. If you missed it, a digital version of the Tech Spotlight can be accessed online.

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AC Grad Kik Messenger reaches 700,000 five star ratings

Kik Messenger is a fairly new free messaging app that allows smartphone users to easily communicate with each other. As of September 2014, there are over 150 million people using Kik Messenger.

Kik Messenger’s appeal is derived from its ability to allow users to effortlessly communicate with people from a variety of backgrounds and all walks of life. It integrates individuals from work, school, and social interaction. Users who want to use the application simply have to download the app, sign up for an account, create a username, and get to messaging. Best of all, a personal cell phone number is not required.

A significant advantage to using Kik Messenger is that it allows users of the application to interact with people worldwide without giving away personal phone numbers.

The application also allows users to do much more than simply chat with each each other. Kik users are able to play a wide variety of games with each other, share music, discuss relevant news topics, among many other practical features. As previously stated, with over 150 million currently using the app, Kik Messanger is already one of the most popular social applications available for mobile devices.

Besides simple interaction, a large number of users employ Kik to attempt to connect with one another, whether it be for social, romantic, or business reasons.

The Kik Messenger application has over 700,000 5 star reviews, and an overall rating of 4.3 stars.

To read the full article click here.