Hidden Gems: Meet Paris Plain

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Paris Plain.

Hi Paris, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My name is Paris Plain. I’ve been a Full Stack Developer for the last 10 years and have worked with companies such as Sony, Merkle, CBH, etc. 

Ultrium is a software company that specializes in mobility. Our current focus is Predictive Vehicle Maintenance, where we collect data from both the driver and the vehicle itself and run comparison analysis to gain a deep understanding of human and vehicle error. We then provide a Prediction through machine learning and AI within our platform/mobile app. These predictions allow us to have unparalleled insight as to what causes unforeseen issues in vehicles and potentially prevent them from ever occurring. 

I founded Ultrium 2 years ago after being laid off from my job as a Developer at a company called Merkle; after attending my first Black Tech Saturday event, I was motivated to go further with my company; now that I have a community of people just like me to support my entrepreneur journey. I initially brought on 2 others as my co-founders, but now we stand as a 7-person team of experts. 

Two months ago, I took a trip to Silicon Valley to work on a potential deal to bring investors to Detroit’s tech ecosystem; this deal turned into an offer for me to relocate my business to Silicon Valley. I declined this offer because I believe Detroit’s growth will make it the next big tech capital. 

Upon my return, I found out that we had been awarded the Scale Fund from Michigan Central (Ford) for 70k to run a Pilot project with a prestigious towing company in Detroit. We have been in conversations with both our potential pilot and Michigan Central about gaining this funding. Thanks to Michigan Central, Newlab, and Black Tech Saturdays, we were able to scale our business to operate and run this pilot. 

This project is a stepping stone leading us to our next case study with other fleets and municipalities in Detroit, one of which is Hertz Rental. We also have had conversations about potentially working with DPD and MDOT after completing this current pilot. 

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been a rocky road with finding funding, available resources, and traction. 

We also experienced issues trying to manufacture our hardware and its components due to a lack of materials in the US, but things took a turn for the better after becoming a part of the New Lab, Michigan Central, and Black Tech Saturday community. 

We found all the resources we needed and opportunities for funding and scalability with our team. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Ultrium is revolutionizing vehicle maintenance with its cutting-edge AI technology and real-time data. Our integrated ecosystem bridges the gap between advanced automotive diagnostics and professional repair services, making vehicle maintenance more accessible and understandable for all car owners. At the core of our innovation is the OBD II device, which interfaces with the vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostics system to read a plethora of diagnostic trouble codes. 

These insights are transformed into actionable information via our mobile app, empowering car owners with understandable diagnostics, severity assessments, and repair timelines. We connect users with a network of certified mechanics, ensuring they receive high-quality, reliable service. What sets us apart is our predictive maintenance capability, which helps prevent costly repairs and extends vehicle lifespan. Our mission is to predict vehicle breakdowns with AI and real-time data for smoother journeys, while our vision is to transform vehicle maintenance by leveraging cutting-edge technology. 

We have successfully developed a prototype, conducted pilot programs, and achieved a 15% increase in prediction accuracy, reducing maintenance expenses by 20% for our initial partners. Our revenue streams include subscription fees, commissions on repairs, data monetization, and hardware sales.

By combining advanced diagnostics, AI-driven insights, and a trusted network of mechanics, Ultrium offers unparalleled convenience, transparency, and peace of mind to vehicle owners and service providers alike. 

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is the necessity of adaptability and resilience. 

Starting and growing a business is filled with unforeseen challenges and obstacles, and the ability to pivot and adapt is crucial. Initially, we had a clear vision for Ultrium and a detailed plan on how to achieve it. However, as we progressed, we encountered numerous unexpected hurdles, from technical issues to market dynamics and user feedback, that required us to rethink our approach. 

Resilience is equally important. There were moments when setbacks felt overwhelming, but persevering through these tough times has been essential. Building a successful startup requires a relentless focus on the long-term goal while staying flexible enough to adjust strategies based on real-world feedback and conditions. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://discoverultrium.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/discoverultrium