Altimize Wins AEDC Funds

Little Rock's Altimize has created apps for retail and restaurant environments.

Another Arkansas startup has also received a financial boost recently and is expanding its offerings.

Altimize, a tenant of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub in North Little Rock, was approved for a tax credit through the Arkansas Economic Development Commission that will be worth $116,655 if the startup raises $350,000 in capital.

For almost two years, the company has been offering a platform for retailers to create apps that allow customers to shop their stores online. Retailers get a username and password to log in and access a dashboard that allows them to manage things like inventory. They are charged a one-time setup fee and a monthly fee for the service.

Altimize has made an app for retailer Sorella of Los Angeles that has more than 20,000 daily active users, according to co-owner and co-founder Bryan Howe. More than 200,000 people use apps functioning on the Altimize platform to shop stores all over the country, including in Arkansas, Texas and California.

While the company is still servicing retailers in this way, it is also building mobile ordering apps and websites for restaurants. These apps work in the same way and make money in the same way as the retailer apps, Howe said.

“We are essentially giving restaurants the ability to create their own in-house ordering system without having to fully rely on third-party companies like Waitr or Bite Squad,” he said. A few local restaurants, including Mugs Café in Argenta and A.W. Lin’s in west Little Rock, have already signed up for apps built by Altimize.

Howe added that the startup is looking to raise capital.

He started the business with his brother, Ethan Howe, and they employ two others. They hope to hire 10 new staffers once more funding is obtained.