Start-up: Pedal Brain
Founded: 2009
Location: The biking epicenter, Minneapolis. Near the Stone Arch Bridge and close to Campus.
Key players: Matt Bauer, founder
Funding: Combination of self-funding and angel investments
Web site: pedalbrain.com
If you’re from Minneapolis, you’ll probably know why Bicycling Magazine named it “America’s Best Bike City.” It’s the epicenter of the Minnesota biking community, right? But, not only that, as the experts have noticed, it’s bike-friendly. Lots of paths, dedicated bike lanes, bike carriers on buses, and your choice of cyclist hangouts.
Never mind the frigid winter temperatures. What stands out the most is that Minnesota cyclists are churning their legs year round—in spite of the risk of their tongue sticking to their jacket’s zipper.
But, no matter the reason, Minneapolis (or Minnesota for that matter) is indeed a great bicycling community. So great in fact, it has one of the highest number of bicycling commuters in the country.
Of course, with so much interest in bicycling, you would assume it would breed innovation. And your assumption would be correct.
One of those innovations comes from Minneapolis cyclist and entrepreneur, Matt Bauer. Frustrated with the existing bike computers on the market, Bauer created Pedal Brain.
Bauer and his company have built a better bicycle computer system, integrating hardware, a Web site, and iPhone. Pedal Brain is scheduled to be released and available in bike shops worldwide in November.
The cycling entrepreneur shares his story.
What is Pedal Brain?
Pedal Brain is an integrated cycling computer. An iPhone accessory that mounts to your bike collects data from a ride using wireless sensors for power, speed, cadence, and heart rate. It also captures GPS information. This data is shown and processed on your iPhone and your teammates’ phones. The data is also sent in real time to our Web site for post-ride analysis and sharing. We offer multiple plan levels from free to a pro level, which includes detailed analysis pro coaches expect.
How did you come up with the idea?
It came out of frustration with existing bike computers and cycling Web sites. There wasn’t a bike computer I tried that didn’t frustrate me. One day after losing my ride data, I went to my basement and started on my own crude version.
Today, I have a complete electronics bench, 3D printer, and staff. Now, when something bugs me on the ride, we fix it and I can test out my solution on the ride home.
Minnesota’s strong biking community is obviously an advantage to a company like yours. Other than that, do you think that Minnesota is a good place for launching a business?
The venture capital conference is this week, and they probably have better insight with real numbers. My experience is it’s difficult to start technology-related start-ups in Minnesota, sans medical devices. The capital just isn’t here and the ideas aren’t here either to attract the capital. There are ways to improve this problem, but that’s a much longer answer.
What ways have you chosen to get the word out about Pedal Brain?
We are just beginning our launch campaign. The cycling world has a great print and online channel. Our early adopters and beta users are the best advertising, though.
What is the biggest challenge you face?
No particular thing is more challenging than another. It’s the sheer number of things that’s the greatest problem. Pedal Brain has hardware, mobile, and Web pieces. Some bits have month lead times, while others have none. It’s very much like building a rocket, igniting it, and building the orbiter while flying through the stratosphere.
Any words of advice for new entrepreneurs?
Start-ups are very difficult. Even God had to rest on the seventh day of his Earth start-up.
To learn more about Pedal Brain, visit pedalbrain.com.
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