Gigmax
Gigmax is a Bethlehem, PA-based startup specializing in data synchronization, data backup, and remote access. Their main product, My Gigmax, is an application which syncs files, photos and media among multiple computers and backs them up in Gigmax's own data center.
The company was formed by two 2010 Lehigh University graduates.
Company history
Gigmax, LLC was established in August 2005 with the intent of making it easier for people to store and transfer files without having to carry around any tangible object, such as USB flash drives. Rather than emailing files to oneself and then having multiple email addresses with multiple different files, the initial goal of Gigmax was to have users just store all their files in one place. Beginning in September 2006, Gigmax began transforming into a student run startup technology company. The cofounder of Gigmax teamed up with an Electrical Engineer and began the company in their dorm rooms. The two, living within 100 feet of each other, planned to completely remodel Gigmax from the ground up.
During the Summer of 2009, after years of researching the industry and their competitors, the owners finalized the company's vision and business plan. They began working to establish Gigmax.com, LLC as a stand-alone corporation. The two Lehigh students continue to manage and maintain the company today.
Gigmax is currently led by the following management team:
Matthew Kenig - Co-founder and CEO
David Gerlach - Co-founder and CTO
Mac Software and Zoho
July 2010 Gigmax introduced its companion Mac-based version. Both software programs let users automatically back up important files online to their Gigmax account. The software is available on the company homepage.
The company also introduced an online document editing feature available to all users which allows them to open a file stored with Gigmax, make changes to it and save it again without having to download it and re-upload it. This will allow for Gigmax customers to make changes to their spreadsheets, presentations and documents all through the Gigmax.com website in an effort to save time. The feature uses Zoho.com's API.
Ben Franklin Technology Partners (BFTP)
Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania links early-stage technology firms and established manufacturers with funding, people, technology, universities and other resources to help them prosper. In the process, we fuel economic growth for northeastern Pennsylvania.
The success of BFTP is measured based on the commercial success that their clients achieve as a direct result of their assistance. Enterprise Developers work with early stage firms and established companies to enhance their entire way of doing business. Typical investments range from $30,000 to $150,000 per year for up to three years.
On June 22, 2010, Gigmax was accepted into the client portfolio of Ben Franklin Technology Partners (BFTP). Since then, they have developed Gigmax for business.
Grants
- First place winner of Michael W. Levin Advanced Technology Competition at Lehigh $5,000
- September 2009 Received grant from Keystone Innovation Zone of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation - $15,000
Awards
- Second place winner of Thalheimer Student Entrepreneurs Competition at Lehigh University, January 2007
- First place winner of Michael W. Levin Advanced Technology Competition at Lehigh, November 2008
- Recipient of Next STEP (Success Through Entrepreneurship in Pennsylvania) Student Start-up of the Year, February 2010