ARK Challenge startup participant Skosay garners $100,000 investment

Fayetteville-based Skosay, a customer engagement technology startup, was awarded $100,000 from the Arkansas Science & Technology Authority (ASTA) to further develop its technology. The local tech startup enhances the customer experience by providing consumers the ability to give feedback to businesses in a private, two-way messaging platform.

“We’re very honored to receive this Technology Development Program investment amount from the ASTA,” said Justin Urso, CEO and cofounder of Skosay. “We plan to use the investment to help further develop our native applications for iOS and Android devices, as well as work on an exclusive analytics dashboard for our clients.”

The goal of ASTA’s Technology Development Program is to assist in commercializing new technology-based products and processes. Recipients must have a well-defined project plan showing progression from idea, to prototype, to production, the release notes.

“Skosay’s technology is changing the way we look at physical comment cards, 1-800 numbers, and meaningful engagement between businesses and its customers,” said Steve Stanley, Ph.D., VP of Commercialization of ASTA. “This tech startup has aspects similar to those of Silicon Valley’s, but its vision and strategy has what it takes to truly make an impact on not only Arkansas’ economy but also how businesses everywhere will engage with customers.” 

After completing the Ark Challenge, a mentorship-driven accelerator program for technology startups, last summer, Skosay has seen success with several businesses, including XNA Airport, the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport.

“Customer service and the customer experience is one of our top priorities,” said Kelly Johnson, Airport Director of XNA Airport. “Skosay allows us to gather insightful feedback from our travelers and talk back to them, which is one of the most valuable features of this technology.”