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1 Million Cups Recap: PayIt, A-ryde Present

Two Kansas City-based companies, PayIT and A-ryde, told their startup stories to a full house during this week’s edition of 1 Million Cups at the Kauffman Foundation.

PayIt

PayItPayIt’s goal is to simplify how average people do business with government entities. Who actually enjoys going to the DMV or City Hall? This Kansas City company created a patent-pending mobile government and payment platform that allows citizens direct access to their local governments without any need to step inside a government building.

The startup’s data-encrypted platform safely stores people’s information, so they can connect with their government quickly and without issue. They can then pay for everything from an electric bill to a bus pass renewal.

Owner John Thomson says it’s extremely rewarding knowing his hard work is helping improve and simplify the lives of other citizens.

According to Thomson, PayIt’s biggest struggle has been winning more contracts with government entities.

In his closing statements, Thomson urged 1 Million Cups attendees to tweet Kansas City, Mo., Mayor Sly James to encourage him to work with PayIt. Find out more about PayIt at www.mobilgov.com

A-ryde

A-rydeStarted by a former Uber driver, A-ryde also happens to be a ride-sharing business, but its model differs from competitors in a few ways.

Abe Husein’s business has the same concept as companies like Uber and Lyft, but it pays drivers a larger share of ride earnings, and doesn’t use surge pricing to increase the cost of fares. Husein said A-ryde costs about the same as any other ride-sharing app, but the whole idea is that both drivers and riders win.

While there’s already an app for riders to download, the business won’t officially launch until later this summer. Husein said he hopes to secure some more funding before the launch, and wants to get the word out to more drivers and riders.

Learn more about A-ryde at www.a-ryde.com