Serial entrepreneur launches new businesses

Serial entrepreneur John Lopez is launching multiple new businesses with artificial intelligence playing a big role.

Sprouting Spot LLC, 9000Insights.AI and Springfield Overwatch Security LLC are companies Lopez is rolling out, he said this morning.

Sprouting Spot is a new daycare business located in Lopez's former Barc-ee's, which closed last year after a trademark infringement lawsuit from Buc-ee's. Final inspections are this month, Lopez said, with a launch date projected for June. 

At 140 York Drive in Marshfield, Sprouting Spot will largely be driven by AI, including curriculum and more. It will be staffed by employees and is compliant with Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education policies, he said. The daycare will have a preschool and is marketed for kids 6 and under.

"The thought behind it is just how we're able to run everything admin-wise through AI," Lopez said. "We're able to ... make the environment a better learning, focused environment for the future."

Lopez said startup costs for Sprouting Spot were around $250,000. He additionally cited startup capital of around $900,000 from Barc-ee's, some of which was useful in the formation of the new day care.

9000Insights.AI is an AI automation and management company that has 36 artificial intelligence agents that work 24/7, Lopez said. The company is working with an undisclosed school district superintendent to help with curriculum.

"They handle a multitude of things," Lopez said of the AI agents. "It's cost-effective through AI."

For example, AI agents have assisted in hiring employees for a dispensary Lopez is opening in Atlantic City, New Jersey. AI agents built a profile of the best possible employee and then launched questionnaires to help in the process, he said.

Lopez's AI tools include the Dapper Doodle social media agent, as well, he said.

Springfield Overwatch, with startup costs around $100,000, is a security company that offers AI-driven cameras, drone technology and self-docking drones, Lopez said.

Lopez plans to present at 1 Million Cups in June.