Blogs
Tony Fairweather, busEasy.com
KAYWEB Angels Portfolio People is a section in our Blog that features profile interviews with the people behind our companies! In this interview, we feature Tony Fairweather, CEO at busEasy.com.
Tell us your name and where are you from?
Tony Fairweather – Brisbane, Australia
What you had for breakfast this morning?
3 x Wheatbix (45 seconds in the microwave to warm the milk). My wife (Sarah) calls me “soft” for needing warm milk.
What are your favorite television shows and movies? Favorite books?
Celebrity Apprentice and The Usual Suspects. Book = Into Thin Air – John Krakuer. A journalist who climbed Mt Everest.
iPhone or Android? Facebook or Google+?
iPhone and neither
Who are the hottest startups outside the KAYWEB Angels group right now and why?
Our competition – Wanderu.com. Seem to be moving a bit faster than busEasy, although have a different (less substantive) offering. Either way, have been recognized by Mashable, so they must be doing something right.
What areas / opportunities are ripe for startups to tackle?
I enjoy following the development in personal and business assistant Apps. For a growing population of people whom simply don’t have enough hours in the day, and can use some efficiency assistance.
Have you been a part of any previous startups? If so, any lessons learned?
Yes in the bus and coach industry. Surround yourself with good people.
Outside of your startup what are you passionate about?
My wife, kids and I are passionate about living now, and not just the future. We periodically treat ourselves to special experiences – primarily involving travel.
Who has been or currently is an inspiration to you?
My father-in-law, whom I learnt that success can be achieved with hard work, perseverance, morals and ethics.
YOUR STARTUP
You are currently in stealth so don't tell us what you are doing but give us a hint of the problem you are addressing?
Delivering a solution to the coach/bus industry which is available to all other forms of transport.
What led you to this right now instead of anything else?
Although I am still involved in various other businesses, busEasy has the potential to have a massive global impact and a proportional return, if we get the technology right.
What is your current biggest challenge?
Getting to market so we can start the journey.
Let's play a prediction game. Let's say we are 12 months from now, and you are about to present to your board. How would you describe your progress?
20 scheduled coach service operators integrated into busEasy, and (conservatively) 25,000 customers/users per month (or $70,000 per month). I see 6 full time employees and a partnership forming with Flight Centre (Australian company which has a US strategy). No exit planned as yet. Enormous growth, will require 3-4 years of focus to achieve the businesses potential.
Now let’s play the reflection game. Think about who you were five years ago. What advice would you give former you?
To move out of a corporate environment earlier.
KAYWEB Angels Portfolio People
Lauren Aichinger, WhoIsGreen.com
KAYWEB Angels Portfolio People is a section in our Blog that features profile interviews with the people behind our companies! In this interview, we feature Lauren Aichinger, Director of Business Development at WhoIsGreen.com.
Tell us your name and where are you from?
My name is Lauren Aichinger, I am from Summit County, Colorado; currently living in New York City.
What you had for breakfast this morning?
This morning I had oatmeal with dates and bananas.
What are your favorite television shows and movies?
My favorite movies are documentaries, my favorite shows are ever changing… but something fun & easy like Modern Family.
Any favorite books?
One of my all time favorite books is ‘A short history of nearly everything’ by Bill Bryson.
iPhone or Android or what?
iPhone… live for it.
Facebook or Google+ or Twitter or what?
Facebook – with extremely limited participation. I like living my life in person, not through the computer screen.
Who are the hottest startups outside the KAYWEB Angels group right now and why?
My Red Rabbit, an awesome startup by a friend of mine in NYC. They cater farm fresh, nutritionally balanced and locally sourced meals to kids in school. Helps families, helps farmers, helps the environment, fights childhood obesity… can’t get much better than that!
What areas / opportunities are ripe for startups to tackle?
Problems / inconveniences in people’s everyday lives, on a personal level. People have too much to do and too little time to do it. They don’t want to spend their time on something that doesn’t simplify a task they already do.
Have you done any previous startups?
No. I previously worked in sales, earning a paycheck.
Outside of your startup what are you passionate about?
Healthy lifestyle, being outdoors, animals and travel.
Who has been or currently is an inspiration to you?
Many people in my life, who have managed to carve out a little path of their own, make a living and help others in the process.
YOUR STARTUP
With your startup currently in BETA LIVE stage, what is one problem you are addressing?
Access to and explanation of the ‘Green’ resources available in every local community.
What led you to this right now instead of anything else?
I have a passion for the environment, and I think working everyday would be that much more pleasant if my work benefited my passion.
What is your current biggest challenge?
Streamlining the direction of our efforts and intentions; making the site purpose simple and appealing so that people will want to utilize it.
How can our readers help you get to your next step?
Join us at www.whoisgreen.com, give us feedback, and tell your friends about us! The more interaction our site has, the more information we have to improve it.
Let's play a prediction game. Let's say we are 12 months from now, and you are about to present to your board. How would you describe your progress?
I would predict increased number of users, and many partnerships with existing green specialty niches.
Now let's play the reflection game. Thing about who you were five years ago. What advice would you give the former you?
Try the new idea NOW. Don’t wait any longer, you’ll only lose time.
David Burns, WhoIsGreen.com
KAYWEB Angels Portfolio People is a section in our Blog that features profile interviews with the people behind our companies! In this interview, we feature David Burns, CEO of WhoIsGreen.com.
Tell us your name and where are you from?
David Burns, from Sydney Australia.
What you had for breakfast this morning?
Fruit Platter and a double shot cappuccino at a Manly Beachfront restaurant with my wife Tania and our new spoodle puppy Millicent.
What are your favorite television shows and movies?
My favorite television show is National Geographic's ‘Whale Wars’, and my favourite movie is ‘Heat’ starring Al Pacino and Robert Deniro.
Any favorite books?
Surfing magazines. I just finished reading Paul Hawken’s ‘Blessed Unrest’.
iPhone or Android or what?
I have just recieved my new iPhone 4s today, so iPhone.
Facebook or Google+ or Twitter or what??
Whichever helps me increase my WHOISGREEN.COM database volume most!
Who are the hottest startups outside the KAYWEB Angels group right now and why?
Building IQ was one of five new businesses highlighted at this years Greenbuild 2011 exhibition with a solution for commercial buildings to learn how to perform better in the way they consume energy and water.
What areas / opportunities are ripe for startups to tackle?
Integrating real-time data into any business platform to increase the relevance of the customer experience.
Have you done any previous startups?
Yes, LabMark Analytical Laboratories which I started with two friends in 1997, to provide contract chemical testing of contaminated sites and testing of pharmaceutical medicines. The business was sold to a mid-sized VC (Champ Ventures) in 2008 with 82 employees and several contractors.
What was the best lesson you took away?
Always know who your are customers, always listen to them, and always perform.
Outside of your startup what are you passionate about?
I love nature and have a deep interest in Industrial Ecology.
Who has been or currently is an inspiration to you?
I tend to be inspired by many people who are everyday folk, and who prefer to give rather than receive or take.
YOUR STARTUP
What is the problem your startup is addressing?
Many people want to be green and live sustainably, but not everyone knows where to find green. WhoIsGreen.com is a directory of sustainable businesses across various industries, and our social media tools allow customers to communicate effectively with these sustainable businesses.
What led you to this right now instead of anything else?
My personal experience when building my sustainable home. It was the most fulfilling thing I have done, but was very difficult due to how un-accessible green businesses and products were. I thought there must be a better way, and now we've built it.
What is your current biggest challenge?
Making businesses realize that whoisgreen.com is an awesome place to tell the world you are green - regardless if you're a plumber, accountant, lawyer or banker!
How can our readers help you get to your next step?
Please go to www.whoisgreen.com and create a profile! It takes a minute.
Let's play a prediction game. Let's say we are 12 months from now, and you are about to present to your board. How would you describe your progress?
We will have hundreds of thousands of claimed business profiles and be known as the best green business directory on the market, spreading the sustainable message to millions of businesses and customers every day!
KAYWEB Angels Portfolio People
Dan Arena, Burringo
KAYWEB Angels Portfolio People is a section in our Blog that features profile interviews with the people behind our companies! In this interview, we feature Dan Arena, COO of Burringo.
Tell us your name and where are you from?
Dan Arena, from Monroe, Connecticut. I’m an Alumni from Fordham University currently living in Midtown NYC.
What you had for breakfast this morning?
This morning I had a granola bar and a glass of Orange Juice, however I am still regretting turning down the Ham, Egg and Cheese sandwich from the corner Deli.
What are your favorite television shows and movies?
My current three favorite TV shows are House, The Walking Dead and Breaking Bad. I also love watching Sportscenter in the mornings. My favorite movies are Gladiator and The Fighter.
Any favorite books?
A Splendid Exchange, Animal Farm, Sherlock Holmes, On the Beach and The World is Flat.
iPhone or Android or what?
I was actually a blackberry guy until about a month ago and I decided to get an iPhone. Now I don’t have the embarrassment of getting strange looks when asking other Entrepreneurs for their BBM!
Facebook or Google+ or Twitter or what??
Facebook all the way, I couldn’t survive without it. I’m getting used to Twitter now but I don’t think I’m exciting enough to give updates on my life every few minutes…Not yet at least.
Who are the hottest startups outside the KAYWEB Angels group right now and why?
I am a big fan and user of Venmo, which allows its users to transfer money via text message to friends and family with the click of a button. It makes living with 4 roommates very easy and it also keeps a log so I know who I’ve charged for utilities.
I also am excited for a startup called lemonade.com which allows people to list products they like on their facebook or blog and then when people buy off their link they get a percentage of the sale. It’s a cool way to foster the entrepreneurial gene and with no risk.
What areas / opportunities are ripe for startups to tackle?
I truly believe that the Real Estate industry is screaming to be brought it to the 21st Century. I feel that there has been a significant lag in its technological progress that undervalues its importance in society. Finding and choosing a home/apartment is a top decision that a person will make in their lifetime. In my opinion it is only natural to use technology to simplify and assist in this pivotal decision.
Have you done any previous startups?
Burringo will be my first! Before this I was working in advertising operations in New York City.
Outside of your startup what are you passionate about?
I love watching and playing baseball. I may know more about that than anything else in the world. I also love spending time with family and friends and always prioritize them first over anything else in my life.
Who has been or currently is an inspiration to you?
My biggest inspiration has been my parents. They have been incredibly supportive of every decision I have made in my life and they have given me confidence to pursue my dreams. Seeing how hard they both work to provide for my brother and I gives me the confidence to be dedicated and determined in achieving my goals.
You are currently in stealth so don't tell us what you are doing but give us a hint of the problem you are addressing?
The real estate industry will never be the same again when we are through with it.
What led you to this right now instead of anything else?
The idea itself is what led me to start a company. I know that this will be a game changer and it has always been my dream to have my own business. I believe in being proactive, and waiting gives the competition time to catch up.
What is your current biggest challenge?
We're looking to do some things that currently are not considered feasible by the market. Our biggest challenge is going to be convincing the market that it is possible, and we can execute on it given the opportunity.
How can our readers help you get to your next step?
If you currently live in New York City, please complete our renter survey, available here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/burringo-students.
If you are a broker or landlord in New York City, please complete our survey, available here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RBCCBKM.
And to everyone: head to the burringo.com landing page and submit your email to stay up to date on our progress!
Let's play a prediction game. Let's say we are 12 months from now, and you are about to present to your board. How would you describe your progress?
We have a strong control of our niche market that we expect to truly seize control of in the next few months.
Our customers are happy with the progress we've made, but are currently being tempted to use "me too" competitors that have popped up in the past few months. Fortunately, the established companies are still viewing us as a toy, but are beginning to get nervous.
We've successfully closed on a Series A round of funding that is going to give us the opportunity expand our product offerings within New York to give the customers more of what they want (and ideas I need to get out of my head).
Our total company size is still very lean (about 4). The ability to outsource some of our technology needs to our trusted partner, KAYWEB, has enabled us to continue to focus on growing the bottom line and not overhead.
Now let’s play the reflection game. Think about who you were five years ago. What advice would you give the former you (any topic)?
The most important thing I’ve learned about starting a company is to not be afraid to let your idea grow and change. I truly believe if you surround yourself with trusted and intelligent people your idea will change for the best. Often times founders get tunnel vision and only see one path to a solution.
It is important to trust others and be open to any and all criticism. Every person has a different point of reference and can always add value to your idea or process. The smartest founders are the ones that listen rather than preach. Be proactive not reactive!
KAYWEB Angels Portfolio People
Ryan Kirlin, Burringo
KAYWEB Angels Portfolio People is a section in our Blog that features profile interviews with the people behind our companies! In this interview, we feature Ryan Kirlin, CEO of Burringo.
Tell us your name and where are you from?
My name is Ryan Patrick Kirlin and I'm originally from South Jersey. I attended college at Fordham University in New York City and have lived in New York ever since.
What you had for breakfast this morning?
Two eggs, whole wheat toast, an orange, and a banana. I try to keep a healthy breakfast!
What are your favorite television shows and movies?
My TV watching is very sporadic, so I like to watch tv series on demand so I can watch 2 or 3 in a row. The most recent show I watched was HBO's Game of Thrones. I'm still working on seeing the last two episodes (Ever!) of Entourage.
Any favorite books?
Lance Armstrong- It's Not About the Bike. It really taught me the meaning of persistence.
F Scott Fitzgerald- The Great Gatsby. Love the mystery surrounding Jay Gastby.
iPhone or Android or what?
iPhone.
Facebook or Google+ or Twitter or what??
Twitter! Gotta love the underdog.
Who are the hottest startups outside the KAYWEB Angels group right now and why?
Hard to say so let's break it into startups I love the most right now in different categories.
Design: Hipmunk. So clean and awesome of them to come up with a new way to rank flights.
Usefulness: Venmo. They have made the process of collecting rent from roommates/splitting a bill at dinner/any small exchange of money between friends effortless. Solid app too.
Potential: AirBnB. Explosive growth. Will be interesting to see where they head with so many "AirBnB's of (insert industry here)" popping up.
What areas / opportunities are ripe for startups to tackle?
Real Estate, Finance, Healthcare, Education. Prevailing commonality amongst all of these is start ups are largely constricted by regulation in these industries. I imagine more startups will just go the Uber Cabs route, and just fix the problem at hand and dare the regulators to stop them.
Have you done any previous startups?
Growing up I was always the standard little kid entreprenuer. Lemonade stands, selling my mom's old books, collecting cool shells at the beach in the morning then selling in the afternoon.
In college, I was able to create a revenue stream from one of the local bars of $200 a week for doing nothing (college millionaire) but that may be a story for another time!
Currently, I work in the financial industry in New York City.
Outside of your startup what are you passionate about?
Rowing is my passion. I've been rowing for 11 years now. I recently made the U.S. National Team and will be competing at the Pan American Games October 15th-19th.
Who has been or currently is an inspiration to you?
My father. He is the most resilient person I know. He's been knocked down more than anyone I know, but has always found the fortitude to keep moving forward.
He was a grunt for the Marines in the Vietnam War. Being the first in his family to attend college upon returning, he had no real guidance on how to succeed in life. He figured it out though and continues to succeed as an entreprenuer himself.
My mother taught me how to be completely selfless and just help people who need help. Karma will figure it all out in the long run.
YOUR STARTUP
You are currently in stealth so don't tell us what you are doing but give us a hint of the problem you are addressing?
We're looking to create a vertically integrated real estate company that's going to transform the way real estate is done. We have a list of problems we want to fix, so all I can say is, Stay Tuned!
What led you to this right now instead of anything else?
My own frustration. Along with my co-founder Dan Arena, we're fixing problems that we want fixed. Through our own research, we've discovered that most people tend to agree with us on the problems that need fixing.
What is your current biggest challenge?
We're looking to do some things that currently are not considered feasible by the market. Our biggest challenge is going to be convincing the market that it is possible, and we can execute on it given the opportunity.
How can our readers help you get to your next step?
If you currently live in New York City, please complete our renter survey, available here.
If you are a broker or landlord in New York City, please complete our survey, available here.
And to everyone: head to the burringo.com landing page and submit your email to stay up to date on our progress!
Let's play a prediction game. Let's say we are 12 months from now, and you are about to present to your board. How would you describe your progress?
We have a strong control of our niche market that we expect to truly seize control of in the next few months.
Our customers are happy with the progress we've made, but are currently being tempted to use "me too" competitors that have popped up in the past few months. Fortunately, the established companies are still viewing us as a toy, but are beginning to get nervous.
We've successfully closed on a Series A round of funding that is going to give us the opportunity expand our product offerings within New York to give the customers more of what they want (and ideas I need to get out of my head).
Our total company size is still very lean (about 4). The ability to outsource some of our technology needs to our trusted partner, Kayweb, has enabled us to continue to focus on growing the bottom line and not overhead.
Now let’s play the reflection game. Think about who you were five years ago. What advice would you give the former you (any topic)?
Minor in computer science.
Get into the New York Tech scene as soon as you arrive on campus at Fordham.
Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. Go create as much luck as you can.
Aron Schoenfeld, Do It In Person
KAYWEB Angels Portfolio People is a section in our Blog that features profile interviews with the people behind our companies! In this interview, we feature Aron Schoenfeld, CEO of Do It In Person.
Tell us your name and where are you from?
Aron Schoenfeld grew up in Woodmere, NY and now live in Forest Hills, NY.
What you had for breakfast this morning?
Same breakfast everyday – a very large cup of coffee with sugar and skim.
What are your favorite television shows and movies?
I am a big sports fan so any Yankee game or football game. I love Sons of Anarchy and White Collar as well.
Any favorite books?
No favorites – I tend to read magazines instead of books as it plays into my short attention span J
iPhone or Android or what?
Blackberry. I was going to get an android but the new Blackberry Bold with the touch screen is fantastic and much easier to manage my emails with. I also have big fingers so typing on a screen is not practical.
Facebook or Google+ or Twitter or what??
Facebook is my preference but still figuring out the new layout.
Who are the hottest startups outside the KAYWEB Angels group right now and why?
Qwiki – it is revolutionizing the way data is distributed with its video technology. It is like a video encyclopedia that keeps learning.
What areas / opportunities are ripe for startups to tackle?
The event space, hence why I am starting Do It In Person.
I also think that video is the next big explosion. We have only started seeing the tip of the iceberg with the things that can be done with video. People don’t always love live chat or want to type everything so video is a great medium to bridge this gap.
Have you done any previous startups?
Yes.
If yes: what was the best lesson you took away?
Be prepared to work long and hard and believe in yourself. If you put in the time and effort and don’t just expect it to come to you, you will be successful.
Outside of your startup what are you passionate about?
Entrepreneurship and helping others get their ideas started. I am very involved in Entrepreneur Week and work with many idea stage companies helping them formulate their ideas.
Who has been or currently is an inspiration to you?
All entrepreneurs who have taken their idea and are trying to make it into a company. Not a day goes by that I don’t speak to an entrepreneur who is struggling to get going or formulate an idea. It reminds me and inspires me to continue on the path of being an entrepreneur, and no matter how well my companies do, keep that entrepreneur attitude.
YOUR STARTUP
You are currently in stealth so don't tell us what you are doing but give us a hint of the problem you are addressing?
The fragmentation in the event space, specifically for mid-size events.
What led you to this right now instead of anything else?
We have been formulating the idea for a while but everything came into place at one time.
What is your current biggest challenge?
Planning the company to be poised for growth so that it doesn’t grow faster than we can handle. The way our company is built, we need to have people in place to scale it from day one. It is a unique platform that already has over 10 beta testers ready to go and we need to be able to handle that right away.
How can our readers help you get to your next step?
Sign up at www.doitinperson.com so you can be notified when we launch, follow our blog and let us know other topics you want to see us cover on the blog about events and how to do it in person.
Let's play a prediction game. Let's say we are 12 months from now, and you are about to present to your board. How would you describe your progress?
The company has grown tremendously and has filled a huge void in the marketplace. The company would have many options that include partnerships and potential investors but the most important thing would be the progress towards our full vision, which is version 2.0 and beyond. This will truly make the company unique and a pioneer in the “in person” event space.
Now let’s play the reflection game. Think about who you were five years ago. What advice would you give the former you (any topic)?
Focus is the key. It is great to have ideas and be a creative, left side of the brain person, but you need to put everything in the context of why you created you company instead of just throwing ideas against the wall and seeing what sticks. Your “why” will help you focus on what will make sense for you company (everyone should read Start With Why by Simon Sinek).
Joe Cassara, You Need My Guy
Tell us your name and where are you from?
Joe Cassara – Rochester, NY
What you had for breakfast this morning?
Coffee, eggs and toast, fruit. Classic.
What are your favorite television shows and movies?
30 Rock, The Office, Arrested Development. Shawshank Redemption, Boondock Saints.
Any favorite books?
The Bible, Blue Like Jazz, Tale of Two Cities, Great Gatsby, The Search for God & Guinness
iPhone or Android or what?
iPhone
Facebook or Google+ or Twitter or what?
Facebook, Google+, Twitter.
Who are the hottest startups outside the KAYWEB Angels group right now and why?
Hipster is brand new, and does a great job of merging FourSquare and Instagram. I think they’ll make a dent in location-based sharing.
What areas / opportunities are ripe for startups to tackle?
People want to take what happens naturally, and do it better, more efficiently. So, ideas like Square and Spotify add a lot of value.
Have you done any previous startups?
Apart from a small business I started college with a few friends and eventually sold back to the University, I’ve been a corporate guy until recently. Earlier this year I left my job to start my own business development consulting practice, helping businesses grow, entering into new markets, etc. So I seem to be always starting something.
Outside of your startup what are you passionate about?
Spending time with my wife and 2 (almost 3) kids.
Who has been or currently is an inspiration to you?
My wife. I’m surrounded by peers in the business world who do great things, but watching her be a phenomenal mom inspires me to pursue excellence with everything I put my hand to, whether parenting, marriage, or a startup!
YOUR STARTUP
You are currently in stealth so don't tell us what you are doing but give us a hint of the problem you are addressing?
We’re bombarded by so many relationships and connections these days that it’s hard to know which of them carry weight. You Need My Guy meets that need.
What led you to this right now instead of anything else?
I think You Need My Guy can really help people. It adds value, and I’m proud of it. Whenever the work I do can take that extra step, I run after it.
What is your current biggest challenge?
There is a lot to plan for our launch, and doing it all while keeping most of the details secret is tough.
How can our readers help you get to your next step?
Go to http://youneedmyguy.com, sign up, and spread the word. Follow us at http://facebook.com/youneedmyguy and http://twitter.com/youneedmyguy.
Let's play a prediction game. Let's say we are 12 months from now, and you are about to present to your board. How would you describe your progress?
I’d say You Need My Guy will have gained significant traction in the markets we’re in, and our user base will be around 15-20,000. I expect revenue to come early and support the growth that we’ll need to look attractive for a potential acquisition.
Now let's play the reflection game. Think about who you were five years ago. What advice would you give the former you?
I guess just to stop talking about an idea, and do it. All of us are capable of so much more than we’re doing, we’re just scared to take that step.
Thomas Olson, Minute List It
KAYWEB Angels Portfolio People is a section in our Blog that features profile interviews with the people behind our companies! In this interview, we feature Thomas Olson, Chairman of Minute List It.
Tell us your name and where are you from?
Thomas Olson. Forest Lake, Minnesota.
What you had for breakfast this morning?
Frosted Mini Wheats.
What are your favorite television shows and movies?
Seinfeld is my all-time favorite. I love Arrested Development. (I just read they’re making a new season with a movie to follow.)
My current favorite movie is Drive, but I’ve always liked There Will Be Blood.
Any favorite books?
Growing up I liked Where the Red Fern Grows and Jack London novels.
iPhone or Android or what?
Android.
Facebook or Google+ or Twitter or what??
Google+.
Who are the hottest startups outside the KAYWEB Angels group right now and why?
Google+ apps! I have a lot of faith in Google+ and feel I have some great ideas for apps so I can’t wait for the API to be fully released.
What areas / opportunities are ripe for startups to tackle?
I really like the Feemium business model. Capitalism is great, but has got out of hand. I can’t wait to watch the Feemium model change every aspect of business. Creativeness and coding are all it takes to change entire industries... and its becoming faster and easier to implement those changes.
What what was the best lesson you took away from previous startups you have been involved with?
Get things in writing! Get your idea out there. Tell as many people as possible.
Outside of your startup what are you passionate about?
Evolution and the future. Things are looking very bright for humanity.
Who has been or currently is an inspiration to you?
Richard Dawkins has been a huge inspiration in helping me understand the world.
I also day trade in my spare time, so naturally I’m inspired by successful investors...Buffet...Soros.
YOUR STARTUP
You are currently in stealth so don't tell us what you are doing but give us a hint of the problem you are addressing?
Ebay and other ecommerce sites can be miserable to use at times, we will hopefully resolve that.
What led you to this right now instead of anything else?
The ability to see innovation where necessary.
What is your current biggest challenge?
Exposure.
How can our readers help you get to your next step?
Sign up to our newsletter at www.minutelistit.com (coming soon).
Let's play a prediction game. Let's say we are 12 months from now, and you are about to present to your board. How would you describe your progress?
Phenomenal, better than expected!
Now let’s play the reflection game. Think about who you were five years ago. What advice would you give the former you (any topic)?
Spend more time studying technology.
Amanda Cavazos, Minute List It
KAYWEB Angels Portfolio People is a section in our Blog that features profile interviews with the people behind our companies! In this interview, we feature Amanda Cavazos, CEO of Minute List It.
Tell us your name and where are you from?
Amanda Cavazos. From Sterling, Illinois
What you had for breakfast this morning?
Yogurt, an apple and a cup of joe.
What are your favorite television shows and movies?
Television: Boardwalk Empire, Modern Family, Suits and Louie.
Movies: Toy Story, Good Will Hunting, You’ve Got Mail, Avatar.
Any favorite books?
Lovemarks, Small Giants, Setting the Table, The Year of Magical Thinking.
iPhone or Android or what?
Android, Samsung Google, but I see an iPhone in my future.
Facebook or Google+ or Twitter or what?
I want my answer to be Google+, but I’d be lying. Facebook with a splash of Twitter.
Who are the hottest startups outside the KAYWEB Angels group right now and why?
BankSimple: For all obvious reasons a reinvention of personal banking is necessary.
AirBnB: It changes the way we travel and experience the world around us. Ultimately it proves people are becoming more social and inviting.
RelayRides: Because sometimes taking a subway or taxi does not make sense, yet nor does owning a car.
What areas / opportunities are ripe for startups to tackle?
Education. The impact technology will have on the future of learning will be incredible. I’m always amazed to see my two year old niece navigate her way through her mom’s iPhone. I can’t help but think of the learning tools that are yet to come for children and adults.
What what was the best lesson you took away from previous startups you have been involved with?
Be prepared to work hard. A lot. Develop a trusted network of people who can advise you on situations you may not be familiar with. Know your audience and your competition. Put yourself out there and don’t be afraid try something no one else is doing. If you have enough passion, the courage to succeed becomes indefinite.
Outside of your startup what are you passionate about?
In no particular order and more so some than others: technology, sustainability, culture, art, design, music, politics and our other growing business and hobby - vintage jewelry.
Who has been or currently is an inspiration to you?
Children. Every single time I’m around a child I’m inspired to think more freely without consequences. They have an incredibly open-mind about EVERYTHING.
And of course the usual suspects Richard Branson and Steve Jobs, who are relentlessly committed to innovation. Danny Meyer whose restaurants I love, but most importantly whose passion to consistently and genuinely make people happy is admirable. Last, but not least, Quincy Jones because he makes magic.
YOUR STARTUP
You are currently in stealth so don't tell us what you are doing but give us a hint of the problem you are addressing?
Saving time for the ecommerce community.
What led you to this right now instead of anything else?
We had a problem and needed a solution. It’s the best way to cultivate an idea. See a problem and develop a solution.
What is your current biggest challenge?
Recruiting users out of the starting gates.
How can our readers help you get to your next step?
Spread the word. Especially to anyone you know who sells on eBay or other ecommerce sites. Also, sign up for an invite on www.minutelistit.com (coming soon) and give us feedback.
Let's play a prediction game. Let's say we are 12 months from now, and you are about to present to your board. How would you describe your progress?
We’re reaching close to a million subscribers and continuing to expand including multiple ecommerce sites.
Now let’s play the reflection game. Think about who you were five years ago. What advice would you give the former you (any topic)?
Keep things simple.
Sean Stavropoulos, Cafrino
KAYWEB Angels Portfolio People is a section in our Blog that features profile interviews with the people behind our companies! In this interview, we feature Sean Stavroloulos of Cafrino.com.
Tell us your name and where are you from?
My name is Sean Stavropoulos, and I’m from Moorpark, California, right near the border between Los Angeles and Ventura counties. I lived there until I went to California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California to study Aerospace Engineering.
What you had for breakfast this morning?
Started the day off with a delicious breakfast burrito and some orange juice.
While I don’t have the time to keep up-to-date with television shows, I’ve always been a fan of The Colbert Report and Family Guy. My favorite movie of all time shifts between Gladiator and Night at the Roxbury, depending on the mood I’m in.
Any favorite books?
I had always given books the cold shoulder growing up, however my older brother recently talked me into reading Terry Goodkind’s “Sword of Truth” opening book during a vacation to Japan, after which I addictively read the following 10 books. I would highly recommend this series to anyone interested in fantasy novels.
I currently am sporting an original Motorola Droid, however both Microsoft and Apple have very tempting upcoming releases.
Facebook or Google+ or Twitter or what?
I spend the majority of my social networking time on Facebook, however recently I have started branching out more. Facebook is certainly enough for my personal life, but the power of social networks is indisputable for tech startups.
Who are the hottest startups outside the KAYWEB Angels group right now and why?
I really enjoy following startups that I personally would use in my day to day life. One of the most promising startups from my perspective right now is Bitcasa. Almost too good to be true, their promises to bring unlimited storage with convergent encryption is nothing short of revolutionary.
What areas / opportunities are ripe for startups to tackle?
Social gaming is always a booming industry. Furthermore, converged applications that make use of multiple devices, such as a TV, tablet, or phone are just starting to become viable. With companies like Samsung offering over $200,000 in prizes to developers who take advantage of this, the future of multiple-device applications is exciting to imagine. Jumping into the converged application market early could be extremely profitable.
Have you done any previous startups?
I have participated in numerous small projects and games, but none of them have taken off to the level Cafrino has. My largest project so far has been as lead programmer for an online role-playing game which has a couple thousand players online at any given time and tens of thousands of accounts created. Nothing extreme, but it is very satisfying knowing players are enjoying your work.
Outside of your startup what are you passionate about?
I try to do something new every week. As I recently relocated to the Caribbean this has been relatively easy. This week’s new adventures include visiting Palomino island and kayaking through a bioluminescent bay at night, which were both absolutely breathtaking.
Who has been or currently is an inspiration to you?
My mother has been a driving inspiration in my life. Through both physical and emotional hardships she has always been a beacon of light.
YOUR STARTUP
You are currently in stealth so don't tell us what you are doing but give us a hint of the problem you are addressing?
I’ve been an avid online poker player since the PartyPoker days, but with the recent United States restrictions with online gambling, it has been nearly impossible to win a decent amount of money playing online poker. Cafrino is here to fill these gaps with the safety and security of a U.S. company.
What led you to this right now instead of anything else?
A combination of timing and passion. I used my free time to pursue the idea with Cafrino’s co-founder, Jonathan, and all the cards seemed to be in the right place.
What is your current biggest challenge?
Without a shadow of doubt: Time. There truly aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish every task while enjoying all of life’s wonders. Learning to sacrifice and utilize my time more efficiently has truly been the biggest challenge throughout the development of Cafrino.
How can our readers help you get to your next step?
If you are searching for a reliable way to enjoy the rewards of traditional online poker sites, help spread the word. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to be the first to know about our major upcoming news announcements.
Let's play a prediction game. Let's say we are 12 months from now, and you are about to present to your board. How would you describe your progress?
In twelve months Cafrino’s main goal is to have executed a smooth launch, have an average userbase surpassing the thousand player mark, and start integrating our next phase of development.
Now let’s play the reflection game. Think about who you were five years ago. What advice would you give the former you (any topic)?
Refocus my priorities. With my bachelor’s studies underway, stresses building, and my future up in the air, it was easy to lose sight of long term goals. What I needed more than anything was to relax, breathe, and plan my time better.
