Pet food manufacturer employees transmitted six million Walt Smart Radio messages in 2024; real-time AI translation enables its multilingual workforce to communicate in 12 languages
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WICHITA, Kan. – weavix, the Wichita-based technology firm specializing in frontline communication and efficiency solutions, announced today it has successfully raised $23.6 million in its latest Series B funding round. The investment was led by global software investor Insight Partners, with participation from Four More Capital, The Friedkin Group, and Perkins Coie. As strategic partners and leaders in the industrial world,they now join Koch Disruptive Technologies, which previously invested $10 million in Series A funding in January 2022.
With this new funding, weavix intends to expand its product offerings and strengthen its market presence in industries such as manufacturing, construction, food and beverage production, hospitality, and energy. The funds raised will be primarily allocated to rapidly scale operations across the United States to meet demand and secure the position as the leading frontline worker platform benefiting the hands-on workforce through employee communication to drive engagement, enablement, and retainment.
The weavix platform, propelled by cutting-edge AI capabilities, is the first of its kind to unlock frontline communication. Beyond seamless communication, weavix harnesses the power of AI to gather and analyze frontline efficiency and safety data, offering executives an unprecedented level of visibility into their facilities. Each component of the weavix platform is designed to create a single source of truth for enterprises. By implementing the weavix platform and outfitting the workforce with a walt® smart radio, weavix can increase collaboration across facilities, enhance safety protocols, create a culture of retainment, and provide data-driven insights to weave systems, processes, and people together.
“Adding Insight Partners is a significant milestone for our organization,” said Kevin Turpin, Founder and CEO of weavix. “The collaboration and synergy I’ve witnessed during our interactions are indicative of the positive impact we can create together. I’m truly excited to work alongside some of the largest and most accomplished industry leaders who share a commitment to enabling and solving the unique challenges faced by the frontline workforce. the frontline worker faces. Our new partners best prepare weavix to set the stage for the rapid growth trajectory we expect this year.”
Insight Partners anchors the investment with its strong strategic relationships, insights, and expertise to keep pace with customer demand. This partnership provides access to Insight’s impressive portfolio ecosystem, creating collaborative opportunities to speed up new innovative solutions for frontline-driven organizations.
“weavix’s mobile device for the frontline worker is a gamechanger. Their smart radios and corresponding software unlock a new level of connectivity and productivity for the frontline workforce,” said Grace Kotick, Vice President at Insight Partners. “Their blend of hardware, software, and enhanced networking has transformed communications for those who need it most. We look forward to partnering with the weavix team as they continue to grow and scale up.” Grace will join the weavix board.
weavix has experienced rapid growth since hitting the market in 2022. Closing this growth round of $23.6 million gives weavix the additional resources needed to fulfill its mission of becoming the market leader by connecting the disconnected workforce.
About weavix®
weavix, the Internet of Workers® platform, revolutionizes frontline communication and productivity at scale. Since its founding, weavix has shaped the future of work by introducing innovative methods to better connect and enable the frontline workforce. weavix transforms enterprise by providing data-driven insights into facilities and teams to maximize productivity and achieve breakthrough results. weavix is the single source of truth for both workers and executives. Our mission is to connect the disconnected workforce through disruptive technology. Visit https://weavix.com/ or follow us on X @weavixiow for more information.
About Insight Partners
Insight Partners is a global software investor partnering with high-growth technology, software, and Internet startup and ScaleUp companies that are driving transformative change in their industries. As of June 30, 2023, the firm has over $80B in regulatory assets under management. Insight Partners has invested in more than 800 companies worldwide and has seen over 55 portfolio companies achieve an IPO. Headquartered in New York City, Insight has offices in London, Tel Aviv, and Palo Alto. Insight’s mission is to find, fund, and work successfully with visionary executives, providing them with tailored, hands-on software expertise along their growth journey, from their first investment to IPO. For more information on Insight and all its investments, visit insightpartners.com or follow us on Twitter @insightpartners.
WICHITA, Kan. – weavix™ is set to showcase the latest innovations to its communications and productivity platform on April 17-21 at Hannover Messe 2023, a leading international conference specializing in industrial transformation for manufacturers.
weavix™ will highlight its integration with Microsoft Azure Private 5G Core, which enables its platform to deliver enterprise-vital solutions, thus supporting the Internet of Workers platform with integration with Azure services, enhanced security, low latency and dependability.
Following the company’s collaboration with Microsoft at Mobile World Congress earlier this year, weavix™ is rolling out its integration with Microsoft Teams®. The goal is to leverage the connectivity and solutions provided by Azure Private 5G Core to allow for collaboration between office and frontline workers and address efficiency issues more directly.
“Microsoft has a long and tremendous history with communication technology for office workers,” said Ben Burrus, Chief Product Officer at weavix™. “The interoperability between Teams® and weavix™ helps to break down the overt communication barriers that exist between the two distinct groups of workers and, in turn, makes the other 80% of the workforce more accessible. This pairing allows for a seamless and direct route for office workers to communicate using audio and video to frontline workers via the walt™ smart radio.”
“Modernizing and empowering frontline workers represent a big opportunity in the evolution and advancement of the manufacturing industry,” said Shriraj Gaglani, VP of Product Development, Microsoft. “Manufacturing personnel must be able to effectively communicate on-site and off to continue producing at optimal levels, and we are pleased to see weavix™ growing their portfolio of solutions using Azure private MEC and adding Microsoft Teams® integration to address this opportunity and unmet need.”
At the conference, manufacturing professionals and attendees can operate and test the walt™ smart radio and experience a complete demonstration of the platform’s communication and productivity solutions.
Hannover Messe is an international hotspot for the latest in technological advances for industry, drawing in an estimated 200,000 manufacturing professionals, exhibitors, decision-makers and industrial pioneers.
weavix™ is exhibiting alongside Microsoft’s other co-innovation partners in Hall 17 as part of the Intelligent Factory sector. To meet with weavix™ at Hannover Messe 2023 in Hannover, Germany, schedule a time here.
About weavix™
weavix™, the Internet of Workers™ platform, revolutionizes frontline communication and productivity on a global scale. Since its founding, weavix™ has shaped the future of work by introducing innovative methods to better connect and empower the frontline workforce, like Enterprise-Vital Push-to-Three (EVPT3) communication. weavix™ transforms enterprise by providing data-driven insights into facilities and teams to maximize productivity and achieve breakthrough results. weavix™ is the single source of truth for both workers and executives. Our mission is to empower workers around the world with disruptive technology. Visit https://weavix.com/ for more information.
WICHITA, Kan. – Today, weavix™ announced a collaboration with Microsoft that expands its capabilities to leverage the newest edge-to-cloud connectivity and platform services from Microsoft. weavix™, a leading software platform for frontline communication and productivity will utilize Microsoft Azure, Azure private MEC and begin exploring the use of Azure Space satcom technologies to deliver its full suite of enterprise vital applications.
“Our Internet of Workers™ [IoW] platform pairs a streamlined collaboration suite with reliable productivity tools and software that’s suitable for the frontline workplace,” said Blake Carlson, Chief Operating Officer at weavix™. “Microsoft’s infrastructure, solutions and integrations provide the ubiquitous connectivity critical in enabling weavix™ to best deliver vital applications to enterprises globally. This collaboration with Microsoft significantly advances our mutual objective of serving a new and historically underserved market – the frontline workforce.”
This effort strategically positions Azure private MEC as the epicenter of private wireless and the Internet of Workers™ platform. Together, these solutions enable low latency, reliable coverage and high-performance connectivity for enterprises to effectively streamline productivity and collaboration on the frontline.
Advanced Connectivity with Azure private MEC and Azure Space
Azure private MEC offers edge platform and private networking options that enable weavix™ to deliver its enterprise-vital solutions. With services ranging from cloud-managed container platform, advanced communications to productivity insights, Azure private MEC supports the Internet of Workers™ platform with enhanced security and dependability.
“To maintain their competitive advantage enterprises worldwide must grow the productivity and maintain the safety of their frontline workers, often in poorly connected environments,” said Shawn Hakl, VP of Product Management, Azure for Operators. “The breadth of weavix’ s innovative suite of applications combined with the ubiquitous connectivity of Azure private MEC delivers enterprises a frontline communications tool that is easy to procure, deploy and manage. We anticipate weavix’s progressiveness in exploring satcom technologies to deliver an even wider range of connectivity options in disparate work environments will further accelerate their innovations and market positioning as a leading Modern Connected App for Industry 4.0 scenarios in multiple industry verticals.”
weavix™ joined Microsoft’s Independent Software Vendor (ISV) program for Azure private MEC to rigorously test its software in a variety of cloud-based and MEC environments and rapidly develop new innovations and features within its platform. The program is designed to empower industry solutions with Azure private MEC to unlock the power of 5G for enterprises. Right now, Microsoft and weavix™ are rapidly testing compatibility to expand connectivity options with Azure Space. This includes satellite communications optimized for scenarios when cloud terrestrial connectivity is limited or unstable, such as in remote or offshore sites.
Azure Space is positioned to revolutionize wireless deployment and satellite-enabled private cellular LTE which, with weavix™ interoperability, would unlock new doors in enterprise-grade connectivity for frontline workers to increase productivity and communicate effectively anytime and anywhere.
Powered by Microsoft Azure
The data insights, collaboration tools and productivity solutions provided by weavix™ use Microsoft Azure. Microsoft’s deep portfolio of tools and cloud storage creates an accessible nesting area for data collected from weavix™.
“weavix™ leverages Microsoft Azure to provide a suitable environment that powers both the communications stack and data consumption capabilities for our Internet of Workers™ platform,” said Ben Burrus, Chief Product Officer at weavix™. “The cognitive services available make it easy to implement core digital transformation principles to a frontline work environment so these workers can feel empowered, and enterprises can experience higher productivity levels across the board. This collaboration allows weavix™ to take full advantage of these capabilities and more that cloud computing has to offer.”
Location and communications data from weavix™ can be readily accessed by users and executives through Workforce Diagnostics™. Enterprises have applied the insights gleaned from weavix™ to transform a variety of business functions.
Visit the Microsoft booth at the 2023 Mobile World Congress trade show in Barcelona to learn more about this collaboration.
About weavix™
weavix™, the Internet of Workers™ platform, revolutionizes frontline communication and productivity on a global scale. Since its founding, weavix™ has shaped the future of work by introducing innovative methods to better connect and empower the frontline workforce, like Enterprise-Vital Push-to-Three (EVPT3) communication. weavix™ transforms enterprise by providing data-driven insights into facilities and teams to maximize productivity and achieve breakthrough results. weavix™ is the single source of truth for both workers and executives. Our mission is to empower workers around the world with disruptive technology. Visit https://weavix.com/ for more information.
WICHITA, Kan. – Positioned as a leader in digital transformation across industries, weavix™ today announced a $10 million Series A funding round from Koch Disruptive Technologies (KDT), the growth and venture arm of Koch Industries, Inc., a fellow Wichita company.
This investment will be used to accelerate the growth of the company’s communication, safety and productivity platform, along with further developments of its walt™ smart radio.
As a platform, weavix™ creates a seamless communication ecosystem enterprise-wide. Just as smartphones transformed the way people stay connected, weavix™ is leading the revolution toward smart radios, which provide greater visibility and enable better insights for entire businesses, with capabilities including Enterprise-Vital Push-to-Three (EVPT3) and other multimedia features. These capabilities allow the frontline workforce, with its global population exceeding 2.7 billion, the opportunity to communicate more effectively and reliably than with traditional analog radios.
weavix’s Internet of Workers™ platform, powered by Microsoft Azure® private multi-access edge compute (MEC) solutions, is the first of its kind to generate frontline efficiency and safety data and give executives complete visibility into their facilities. Its communication capabilities empower the global frontline workforce, which has historically been ignored by modern innovations.
This partnership with KDT will not only bring the Koch Labs® capability linking it with teams across Koch, but it will also provide access to KDT’s deep connections with Microsoft and other critical ecosystem partners, creating additional opportunities to develop innovative solutions for industrial customers.
“This investment from KDT will help us rapidly transform how the ‘hands-on’ worker becomes safer and more productive through our innovative, wearable technology,” said weavix Founder and CEO Kevin Turpin, a seasoned entrepreneur with extensive experience in industrial services. “And it’s especially exciting because we’ll have the opportunity to work alongside Koch companies as we refine and iterate new products for our growing customer base.”
Each component of the platform is designed to create a single source of truth for enterprises. Globally, weavix™ has been used to increase collaboration across facilities, enhance safety protocols, automate workflows and provide data-driven insights to maximize productivity and enable higher-value tasks.
“Kevin’s experience in industrial services, on the frontline, gave him the extensive experience required to develop a platform like weavix, which has the potential to truly improve how facilities of all sizes operate,” said KDT Managing Director Adam DeWolf. “As a benefit of Koch Labs, weavix will be able to tap into Koch’s diverse ecosystem of subject matter experts, businesses, and capabilities to grow its operations, as well as deploy technology within facilities across our businesses. We’re looking forward to seeing how our employees benefit from the innovative technology, while also providing real-world feedback to the weavix team.”
Learn more at weavix.com.
About weavix™
weavix™, the Internet of Workers™ platform, revolutionizes frontline communication and productivity on a global scale. Since its founding, weavix™ has shaped the future of work by introducing innovative methods to better connect and empower the frontline workforce, like Enterprise-Vital Push-to-Three (EVPT3) communication. weavix™ transforms enterprise by providing data-driven insights into facilities and teams to maximize productivity and achieve breakthrough results. weavix™ is the single source of truth for both workers and executives. Our mission is to empower workers around the world with disruptive technology. Visit https://weavix.com/ for more information.
About Koch Disruptive Technologies
Koch Disruptive Technologies (KDT) is a unique investment firm, partnering with principled entrepreneurs who are building transformative companies. KDT provides a flexible, multi-stage investment approach. KDT works with companies that can help Koch transform its capabilities, disrupt existing businesses or expand into new platforms. KDT is a subsidiary of Koch Industries, one of the largest privately held companies in the world, with annual revenues that exceed $125 billion and presence in over 70 countries. KDT helps its partners unlock their full potential by bringing Koch’s full capabilities and network to them, structuring unique capital solutions and embracing a long-term, mutual benefit mindset. For more information, visit http://www.kochdisrupt.com/
The enduring, rugged design retains its Class 1 Div. 2 safety certification, now with a larger display, advanced communication capabilities and instant access to all users within the Internet of Workers™ platform.
WICHITA, Kan. – weavix™ reiterates its position as a pioneer in innovation for frontline communications today with its announcement for the new model of the walt™ smart radio. As legacy radios continue to underserve the frontline workforce, weavix™ introduces more innovative and specialized features to improve safety, collaboration and productivity.
“We set off to build the best smart radio,” said Kevin Turpin, Founder and CEO. “But also, something more that would keep every worker safe and connected. This design overhaul reinforces our commitment to the worker, but there’s a larger game at play because it’s more than just communication. It’s keeping people safe, on task and providing visibility into workplaces like never before. And it’s all due to our entire Internet of Workers™ platform.”
walt™ smart radio offers enterprise a software-based solution in the form of hardware to fix the disconnect and technological divide between office and frontline workers. The new design maintains its Class 1 Div. 2 safety certification, along with impressive hardware and software updates. With it, weavix™ aims to improve the collaborative experience on the frontline and shape the future of work through a worker-focused lens.
These improvements range from a more durable, rugged form factor to improved front and rear-facing cameras and flashlights to a global directory, connecting every worker using industry-leading collaboration capabilities within the Internet of Workers™ platform.
A CBRS-Enabled, Ruggedly Powerful Smart Radio
Its durable exterior gives walt™ smart radio a sleek, modern finish that thrives in the harshest environments. It’s purpose-built for the frontline, being water, dirt, drop and dust resistant. Workers can comfortably grip it, use its front-panel buttons and display, and its advanced functionality all while wearing gloves.
weavix™ is the chosen software solution to connect workers and enterprises via CBRS and other private wireless networks. The walt™ smart radio pairs seamlessly with any network option, providing affordable, flexible and reliable connectivity for enterprises globally.
Seamless Collaboration throughout the Workforce
walt™ is designed to deliver best-in-class collaboration capabilities to the frontline. It outperforms legacy industrial radios with its range of communication features at the worker’s disposal, not just push-to-talk. With PT3 collaboration, workers can use push-to-talk, picture and video messaging to work together how they want, all at the push of a button.
“This new model shows that we’ve nailed down the hardware,” said Ben Burrus, Chief Product Officer at weavix™, “and the platform that supports and powers it. Our full collaboration suite bridges the gap between deskless and deskbound workers.”
Man-Down, Targeted and Mass Alerts for Rapid Response
The premise of the walt™ smart radio is to drive productivity by creating a safer, more collaborative workplace. Through instant emergency alerts, a walt™ smart radio can notify response personnel or inform workers of an emergency in their area and what to do next.
When seconds matter, workers need a reliable device to keep them informed in stressful situations and connected to one another to ensure everyone’s safety.
The new walt™ smart radio is deploying out to workplaces across the country at no cost for the device. Through its weCare™, managed service, enterprises enjoy the latest walt™ models, support and infrastructure management without additional fees.
About weavix™
As the Internet of Workers™ platform, weavix™ revolutionizes frontline radio communications to shape the future of work as more collaborative, safe and productive. Founded in 2018, weavix™ continues to lead industrial communication and workforce productivity.
Schedule a demonstration or trial for walt™ smart radio at https://weavix.com/experience/
For more information, please visit: https://weavix.com/
