Blogs

KAYWEB Angels Portfolio People
Dan Arena, 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!