account takeovers and data theft. The technology even uses mobile phones as a source of authentication, which makes sense, given Song’s role as an advisor to area iPhone and iPad app developer Mobiata.
Ease of use is a big aim with Scio’s product, Song says, calling the technology a “set and forget” solution. The security problem is a big pain point at smaller companies, and Scio is looking to deliver its technology in a very price-sensitive way, a gap Song says the security space hasn’t successfully filled.
“We hope it’s very disruptive,” he says. And others have bet on that fact. The startup has raised about $1 million in outside funding, led by San Francisco-area firm True Ventures. The deal also included new Ann Arbor-based venture firm Resonant Venture Partners.
While he’s not plugging away at the next wave of cyber security defense, Song is working to make sure the startup culture in Ann Arbor is active and connected. He launched A2Geeks, a nonprofit powering meetups to regularly showcase new companies in the region. Song isn’t a fan of the government-forced creation of industries in the region and says an innovation culture needs to sprout up in a more grassroots way (insights of his you can read, among others, in this piece here).
“There’s a lot more to be said for building the social glue, the relationships between people,” than more formalized, bureaucratic organizations that aim to spur and connect new startups, he says. Overall, Song says he thinks a more organic culture of entrepreneurship is needed in the area, where startups know what their counterparts are up to and the whole system feeds on itself to encourage more startups. There’s far more of a fight to make this happen in southeast Michigan than in known tech hubs like San Francisco, but Song, a University of Michigan alum, is willing to stick it out in Ann Arbor, which he describes as a “cleaner, nicer Berkeley.”
We’re excited to keep our eyes on how the Ann Arbor startup culture grows as a result of his initiatives (and those of others). We’ll also be watching for what’s in store from Scio/Duo in the coming months. If you’re interested in seeing Song in person, and planning to be in Boston, check out our “5×5: Five Cities, Five Big Tech Ideas,” event on December 8th, where Song’s new and old companies will be featured.
