Boulder is known for its vibrant tech scene, where entrepreneurs and innovators create cutting-edge solutions for the world’s problems. But what happens when we need to step out and unplug? Meet Ara Howard, founder of Dojo4, one of Boulder’s first start-up software companies, which recently closed its doors after nearly 15 years of success. Ara (pronounced Ae-Rah) is not your typical tech mogul. He grew up off-grid in Palmer, Alaska, where he learned to appreciate the beauty of art, nature, and “honest, simple living.” Howard (left), co-founder of one of Boulder’s first start-up... Read More

  The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, based in Missouri, found that Boulder Colorado had the highest density of start-up companies per capita in the United States. Most of these sprouting businesses are technology-based, and many start and eventually settle in the city. But what is it about Boulder which makes it a breeding ground for new business? First of all, Boulder’s culture spans the distance between nature-loving outdoorsy people and highly-educated tech creators. To the west are the glorious Flatirons and innumerable natural wonders, meanwhile the university is researching... Read More

Boulder is a mecca for smart people with good ideas. Take Becky Degrossa, CEO and Founder of Content Cakewalk, a content marketing startup in Boulder, CO. After spending 20 years at IBM and then switching gears to therapy, Degrossa created her own company, CouncelingWise, a therapy content generator, or phase one of her marketing empire. Degrossa is one of those exceptional Boulderites with the talent and ambition to let their passions lead their career. Content Cakewalk is the latest stop on that journey. Content Cakewalk is more customer-oriented than your typical marketing firm. For one, the... Read More

Thought the time for toys was in your past? Or that they’re only for your kids to play with? Think again! Get ready to stop, drop and roll with Sphero (literally this toy will actually do that!) the app controlled ball that does it all!   Sphero is a toy ball that combines technology and software with the physical play, movement and hardware of a toy. This sphere, hence the name Sphero, is made up of a high-impact polycarbonate shell that holds an Orbtotix Smart Robot inside. Compatible with iPhones and iPads using iOS 4.0+, Bluetooth-enabled smartphones and tablets as well as Andriod... Read More

If you have ever coached a team sport of any kind, been a parent whose children are part of any number of team sports, or have been involved in a team of any kind then you know the organizational struggles of team sports. Even though in my mid twenties I am far removed from the team sport scene, I do remember the coordination chaos my parents underwent on a daily basis having three kids all involved in multiple soccer teams and dance companies; who had practice which night of the week and for what team, what time were games on the weekends? Or is it performances this weekend? Whose turn was it... Read More

They say the best and most effective time to learn a language is when you are a child and your brain is still developing. With society continuing to value bilingual or multilingual people in academia and the workforce, the pressure to teach kids new languages is building as well. One language in particular is growing at a fast rate, especially in todays digital age—coding. As smartphones, computers and tablets become more advanced the need for computer programmers and coders grows too. So how do you get your kids involved in learning this digital language, especially if computers and coding... Read More

In recent years Boulder has become one of the top start-up cities in the nation, cultivating and opening new businesses left and right. That being said, developing a new business is still hard work and the beginning stages are critical to a start-ups launch. In the midst of this start-up incubator is Boomtown, the start-up for all start-ups. Launched in 2014 by former Crispin Porter + Bogusky principal Alex Bogusky as well as Toby Krout, Jose Vieitez and Stephen Groth among others, Boomtown is a start-up accelerator that helps new businesses get off the ground.   Boomtown offers a 12-week... Read More

What happens when one facet of a Boulder start-up becomes a bigger hit than expected? It expands and grows up into its very own business. That’s how ThrivePass came into existence; born from the Fitness Wishlist package and mentored by Boomtown, ThrivePass is a brand new and totally unique way to do corporate wellness. When Wishlist LLC. launched its Fitness package in October 2013, they found many of the purchasers were businesses buying the Fitness Wishlist for their employees. As time went on large companies like Vail Resorts wanted to use the Fitness Wishlist as a wellness option for their... Read More