Frantelligence (Orem, UT) leverages AI to streamline franchise operations, reducing inefficiencies and enhancing data accessibility. The company aims for customer-funded growth while expanding its market presence in Utah and beyond.
With artificial intelligence becoming a major discussion topic in Utah, new opportunities are emerging for businesses. AI has not only improved efficiency in traditional business practices but is also enabling franchises to automate operations across multiple locations.
Matthew Averett recently sat down with TechBuzz to discuss Frantelligence and its strategy for competing in Utah’s business market.
The Origins of Frantelligence
Averett explained how Frantelligence began: “UVU has a program called Wolverine Inc., whereby entrepreneurs collaborate on business ideas worth investing in. One idea stood out—an AI-driven system that centralizes business data in one place. They saw franchising as an ideal application for this technology.”
Wolverine Inc. is a new initiative launched in summer 2024 at UVU. It connects students interested in entrepreneurship with investors looking to fund promising ventures. Through this program, Averett met Seth Jensen, director of UVU’s Entrepreneurship Institute, who introduced him to Clint Argyle. Argyle and a team of entrepreneurs had conceptualized Frantelligence, with the program requiring a minimum $50,000 investment to validate the business idea.
“It’s a ‘put your money where your mouth is’ kind of thing,” noted Averett.
Building the Company
After discussions, Argyle appointed Averett as CEO. “That was about seven months ago. Since then, we’ve built multiple versions of our product and secured paying clients,” said Averett.
“Frantelligence software is designed to be an AI and business intelligence tool. Imagine a franchise expert AI avatar that can give real-time insights on your business data,” explained Averett.
“Franchise owners don’t need another dashboard. They need direction,” he continued. “We’ve built a system that spots problems before they surface and recommends what to do next—with real data to back it up.”
Averett added, “Frantelligence is currently focused on supporting small to medium-sized franchise systems in Utah, with national expansion underway.”
The team includes Rob Glance, a technology expert who has worked closely with the team.
The startup is also working with Romney Stewart and Roger Andrus, who have provided crucial mentorship and guidance
Progress and Future Goals
Thanks to this dedicated team, Frantelligence secured its first paying client six weeks ahead of schedule. They currently have two clients and aim to reach ten beta clients by the end of June. By December, the company hopes to be cash flow positive.
Averett shared valuable lessons from his mentors:
- Equity is earned, not given. He recalled a conversation with Argyle about recruiting new board members. “We’re not just giving people equity—we’re giving them the opportunity to earn it in exchange for value,” he said.
- Changing behavior starts with changing beliefs. One of the fastest ways to do this is by altering vocabulary.
- The law of reciprocity. “Even though I’m not earning a lot right now, I give as much as I can to others. The more you give, the more people want to give back,” noted Averett.
Expanding Market Reach
Frantelligence is focusing on organic growth through networking. “The most effective way to connect with franchises is through introductions and referrals. LinkedIn outreach has also been valuable,” Averett said.
To further engage their market, Frantelligence is launching a podcast called Top 10% of Frantelligence Podcast. “Our goal is to provide franchisors with valuable insights on AI, best practices, and expert guidance,” Averett explained.
The podcast will be available on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean.
The Vision
Frantelligence’s mission is clear: “We exist to improve the lives of franchise owners and accelerate their profits,” Averett stated.
Since its inception in August, the company has positioned itself as a key player in helping franchises harness AI for efficiency and growth. While customer funding remains their preferred model, they are open to venture capital if necessary. “If we’re showing promise and need more cash, we’d consider VC investment. But ideally, we want to be customer-funded,” Averett said.
As Frantelligence continues to develop its technology and expand its market reach, it will be interesting to see how its AI-driven solutions transform franchise operations in Utah and beyond.
For more information, visit Frantelligence’s website.
Source: https://www.techbuzznews.com/
