Dominic Bressan
My co-founder and I were both big fans of Kickstarter, and we thought we could combine incentivising...
How many companies have you started? Were they successful?
Several, and all successful to date. In the tech space though, AirService and StudyBooster are my first two. So far they're going well.
What is the elevator pitch for your company?
AirService: With AirService users have a single app on their phone that allows them to arrive at any AirService venue, check in, and then browse and order direct from their phone for delivery straight to them.
StudyBooster: With StudyBooster, students set themselves academic goals through the website, and then invite their friends and family to sponsor them to achieve those goals.
Where did the idea for your company come from?
AirService: Spending more time queueing for drinks one night than actually enjoying the night, and also trying to order room service while in Shanghai.
StudyBooster: I came across a study by a Harvard professor which was the largest study ever done into motivating and incentivising students. It showed that literally paying students to learn could be as effective as an additional 3 months of education per year. My co-founder and I were also both big fans of Kickstarter, and we thought we could combine incentivising students by paying them with the Kickstarter crowdfunding model.
What is the most significant hurdle that you have overcome with your company?
Having both AirService and StudyBooster being ready for launch at the same time, despite all our plans that that wouldn't be the case, and then managing them both.
What is the biggest challenge facing you and your company at the moment?
For StudyBooster, it's making sure we translate the incredible interest and press so far into real users. For AirService it's locking in the deals with big hospitality chains.
Do you have any practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Despite the fact that I'm currently running two start-ups, my advice is to focus. Pick something that you need in your own life, or that you have a connection with, and focus on that.
How will you measure your success?
In the billions... Joking. Kinda. For AirService it will be when I can walk into all my favourite venues and order with AirService. For StudyBooster it will be when students use it as a matter of course as part of their education.
