This glowing windsock turns heads.

STARTUP // Nemo Ventures

WHAT THEY MAKE
SportFans is the first product from Nemo Ventures, a subsidiary of local marketing company C3.

It’s a type of windsock that attaches to your vehicle. As soon as the car hits 10 to 15 mph, the wind powers a tiny generator, which turns on a light inside the windsock.

And that makes the windsock glow. “We get a lot of head turns driving down the street with them,” said Bob Cutler, founder of C3 and Nemo Ventures.

THE INSPIRATION

Paul Skelton, director of product development, was building a wind-powered USB charger for cellphones when he got the idea for SportFans. He put together a prototype using $3 flashlight parts from Micro Center.

WHO’S IT FOR?

Nemo sells to individual consumers. But it’s also pursuing restaurants as clients. (Not too surprising, considering C3 produces kids’ toys for Sonic, Chick-Fil-A and other major companies.)

As an eatery’s delivery staff drives down the street, their cars could be illuminated with a branded SportFan.

WHERE CAN YOU GET YOURS?

SportFans are sold in a few local stores, such as the Made In KC shop at the Corinth Square shopping center and the Hy-Vee at 76th and State Line Road. You can also buy online at www.getsportfans.com.