Startups Strut Their Stuff to Level Audience in North Adams

Every year, migrants in the United State send more than $400 billion back to developing countries. Part of that money goes not to relatives but to companies like Western Union as remittance fees. A company with Berkshires connections has a new approach — and joined with others this week to celebrate the region’s ingenuity. FamKeepa, launched by a Zimbabwe native, hopes to send money home to loved ones at a lower cost — via text message with a gift card for a Zimbabwe-based retailer. “We are connected to the people we want to solve the problem for,” said Nick Toronga, founder of the company, which has a team that includes two Williams College students. Read more about exciting startups in the Berkshires >>