From Facebook to LinkedIn, every message was tracked on Arkli's site.
After a few months, the Ottawa startup gained valuable feedback from clients and launched a new version of its communications platform.
"A lot of people wanted what we offered, but they didn't want to send people to our website. They wanted to keep people on their own page," Mr. Potter says.
That's when AddIn Social was born, a product capable of integrating into any website and keeping traffic in the customer's domain - something Mr. Potter believes sets Arkli apart from the competition.
The platform is compatible with mobile devices and it's frequently updated to accommodate new social networks.
Arkli consists of three employees, but Mr. Potter says he is looking to hire a chief technology officer and a vice-president of sales shortly. The head count could grow up to a dozen staff members if an expansion goes as planned.
Earlier this month, Arkli launched a campaign to raise $500,000. The company reached 10 per cent of this goal through investments from friends and family members within the first week.
We bring a low-cost, low-risk solution to connect to social media. - Mike Potter, Arkli CEO
Arkli has also received undisclosed funds from the National Research Council Canada's IRAP program and OCRI over the past year, Mr. Potter adds.
One of its biggest clients is MailChimp, an e-mail marketing company. J2 Global Communications, which acquired Protus in early 2011, is one of Arkli's local customers, but most business comes from Europe, Mr. Potter says.
Arkli won bronze for best business plan at the 2010 Ottawa Bootstrap Awards and was a presenting company at a venture capital "pitchfest" event co-hosted by OCRI and IRAP officials earlier this month.
Year founded: 2010
Local head count: 3
Funding to date: Undisclosed amounts from friends and family; OCRI and IRAP funding
Product: Cloud-based social media management software
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