Demetrie King: Market Match Founder and TechFW SmartStart Member

Who knew you could have a brilliant idea surrounded by honey buns?

Demetrie King had two vending machine routes and wondered why he was offering the longest shelf-life products instead of the most popular, faster selling items.

Why not survey and sell the goodies consumers want?

That is the question he brought to TechFW, hoping for help addressing the obvious answer. Market Match is a software platform that turns market research into engaging gamification for surveys using swipe technology. Whether it’s food, drinks, or events, you can survey a large crowd in advance and actually see what’s in demand before purchasing inventory.

He originally created a vending machine app in 2020 to gauge what snacks consumers wanted stocked in his vending machines and he quickly realized that swipe technology like that used on dating apps offered a more fun user experience.

By 2024, he rebranded the project as Market Match, broadening its potential beyond vending into colleges, coworking spaces, event venues, and retail.

He joined our TechFW SmartStart program in November 2024 and we’ll let him tell you how that is going.

“The biggest difference in the stage I’m at now is access and credibility,” he explained. “ I have the ability to work directly with colleges, which opens the door to real-world pilots and long-term institutional partnerships.

"TechFW also expanded my network...significantly, connecting me with mentors, founders and partners who have helped sharpen the product and the business strategy. On top of that, the press and brand recognition that came from being part of TechFW has elevated MarketMatch’s visibility and trust, making conversations with partners and customers move faster and more confidently."

Demetrie has successfully rolled out and refined his software to a market that adapted quickly, validating that the product solves a real need. Another major accomplishment was receiving proof of concept through active usage and feedback, which confirmed product-market fit and the value it brings to partners and consumers.

The near future consists of a more robust platform that gathers key data to benefit consumers, vendors and brands. "I’m focused on refining the technology so it delivers clearer insights, better forecasting and a stronger overall experience for everyone involved," Demetrie says. He also wants to connect with brands that utilize API integrations to showcase their products, as well as venue spaces that are looking for better ways to connect with attendees.

"Winning first place and the People’s Choice Award from Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was by far my proudest and most affirming moment this past year," he says. "It validated the work, vision and effort I’ve put in and showed that judges and the community truly believe in what I’m building."

Demetrie has two insights all entrepreneurs might consider:

1. You will hear a lot of no(s) during your journey. You will also hear a yes that turns into a no. Understand, it's all part of the process and keep going.
   

2. Find your people. The foundation around you can help you build amazing things. Even though you may feel alone, there are others out there going through the same situations.
   

Demetrie, we're so happy we found each other.

If you are interested in joining a community of Fort Worth startups, we invite you to apply today to join one of our TechFW incubator or accelerator programs for entrepreneurs ready to build what's next.