Startup Model – Combining Selfies with Moments

THE MODEL: A app which lets users click 2 photographs, one from the front camera and the other one from the rear one, and stitches them together to create 1 frontback image. One image is able to show the moment while the other, which is a selfie, works as an emoji

STARTUP: Frontback (Belgian startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – A fun app which captures moments with selfies.

The Fun Angle – Using selfies as emojis and attaching them to moments captured is fun and addictive. Also it helps cut down on users having to upload multiple images on social networks.

CONCERNS

Competition – A selfie app which stitches 2 photographs together may not be enough to get users to download the app.

Startup Model – Fitness Tracking App

THE MODEL: A app which helps users track how much they move every day and how much they need to move. The goal is to move atleast 30 minutes in a day.

STARTUP: Human (Dutch startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – An app for fitness tracking and advice.

Passive Location Tracking – A user has to simply set it up once and forget about it. It keeps working in the background.

Good Design – The app has a great animated design and the background picture keeps changing.

Comparing Feature – A user can compare his/her activity levels as compared to people around. This helps in assessment as well as motivation.

Data Analytics & Usage – The app plans to collect data about a user’s home, office, gym and use that to improve daily habits and lifestyle. This will help move the app from a crowded fitness tracking space to a space more focused on fitness support and advice.

CONCERNS

Competition – The fitness app space is a very crowded one. Though Human is trying to differentiate itself, getting user downloads will be challenging.

Startup Model – Doing More With Your Contacts

THE MODEL: A mobile app that lets users create, organize and communicate with their contacts in ways which were not possible before. The app empowers users to do more in less time with its various features.

STARTUP: Interact (American startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – A platform for users to do more with their contacts in less time and with less effort.

Product Features – Users can create and manage groups with features like group management, one tap contact creation etc. They can create new contacts easily using natural language parsing. Users can contact individuals or groups with a single tap and can also share files, images and text via email and messages.

Multi Platform – The app works across the iPhone & the iPad. Also the app enables users to use their contacts with a growing list of third party apps.

CONCERNS

Product Limitations – Currently the product has certain limitations such as not working well with older iOS devices or with very large number of contacts. Also there are certain issues with Micrsoft Exchange based accounts and Gmail contacts. The app is working to improve on these.

Market Size – Since the app is basically meant for power users, regular users may not want to pay $4.99 for it. Most regular users are satisfied with the inbuilt contacts app and may not feel the need to pay for an upgrade.

Startup Model – Video Sequences with Social Participation

THE MODEL: An app in which once a user uploads a video, his/her friend’s and others can post a reply each to the video using a photo or a video, thereby creating a sequence of videos/media which is called Tuurnt. Every user will have 24 hours to participate in a Tuurnt video with one reply each. 

STARTUP: Tuurnt (Canadian startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – A tool for users to create memories by letting other users reply directly to a video using another video or a photo, thereby creating a truly ‘social media’. Users will no longer have to see old videos as stand-alone videos.

Time Limit – Users get 24 hours to reply to any video which goes live on the app. This creates a sense of urgency and impulse and can get users to engage with the platform, just like Snapchat did.

CONCERNS

Competition – The app offers an experience which is very close to the ones offered by several big social networks. Getting users to download another social networking app may be difficult.

Startup Model – Intuitive To-Do List

THE MODEL: An app which lets user organize any list of tasks into priorities, events and accomplishments. The app collects tasks from your notes, emails and docs, thereby allowing you to compare and prioritize them.

STARTUP: Swipe (Bulgarian startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – A intuitive to do list which helps users compare and prioritize tasks.

Benefits to Users – Extracting data from different sources into one app simplifies the user’s experience and ensures that all pieces of any project connect in a single workspace.

Evernote Integration – Swipe has a 2 ay sync with Evernote. Any note on Evernote can be converted into a task. All checkmarks on the note are automatically converted into action steps in a task. Also all changes on Swipe are marked in the note as well.

CONCERNS

Competition – A billion to-do apps exist in the market. Though Swipe offers an app different from the rest, getting customers to shift from the app they are using currently is going to be difficult.

Startup Model – Personalized Event Discovery

THE MODEL: An app which allows users to discover events based on interests, proximity and date . Users can subscribe to the app and get to know about upcoming events of their favorite performers and venues. Also users can know what events their friends are going for.

STARTUP: Craze (Bulgarian startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – A personalized event discovery app for users to discover events based on interests, proximity and dates.

Benefits to Users – Users can browse through different events. Also they can subscribe to know of upcoming events of their favorite performers and venues. Users can also book tickets through the app.

User Experience – The app has a clean and easy to use interface.

CONCERNS

Competition – Event discovery is a competitive space. Also expanding into new geographies is difficult owing to local competitors.

Startup Model – Calling App Offering Low Roaming Charges

THE MODEL: An app which allows users to take regular calls to their numbers without paying roaming charges. In order to make a call, the user has to connect to a wi-fi or buy a local sim card with internet connection.

STARTUP: Avo (German startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – Staying in touch around the world with low roaming charges.

Benefits to Users – Users can save money when traveling. Incoming calls are free. Also users can call other Avo users for free.

Pricing Plans – The app has price plans based on the usage of the customer. Call charges are fixed for a particular destination, no matter where you are calling from.

CONCERNS

Competition – Calling apps have been there for ages now. With no real differentiator, the startup faces an uphill journey.

Startup Model – Sharing Personalized Content

THE MODEL: An app which makes it possible to put information, offers and media in front of users based on the location and interests of the user. Users receive information from establishments close to them. Also users can follow places to get updates from them.

STARTUP: Bubbal (Scottish startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – A personal discovery and publishing app for users.

Strong Use Cases – Users can receive the latest offers and information from close by joints. Also users can follow places to keep receiving updates from them.

Better Conversion Rates for Joints – Since a user receives a message of a joint closeby or one which is followed by the user, conversions tend to be higher.

CONCERNS

Competition – Apps based on local discovery of deals and information would be potential competitors.

Startup Model – Virtual Shoe Fitting

THE MODEL: A product through which a user can create a 3D scan of his/her foot. This service wants to reduce the percentage of returns in footwear ecommerce sees because of a bad fit.   

STARTUP: Fitfully (Israeli startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – A virtual shoe fitting algorithm enabling users to create 3D scans of their feet.

Benefits to Users – Users can create scans of their feet and using them to ‘virtually try-on’ any shoe in a partner online retail store before buying.

Benefits to Stores – Online retail stores can reduce their returns of shoes because of a bad fit for the user.

Focus on Core Idea – The startup is focusing on providing a virtual shoe fitting service for users and is not deviating by entering into ecommerce or any other related space.

Startup Model – Counterfeits Killer App

THE MODEL: A micro-structured paper label combined with app to enable businesses to check on counterfeiting of their products. The startups provides paper labels to businesses which the latter need to paste on an product. A customer, with the help of the app, can check the authenticity of the product and also the date when it was manufactured.

STARTUP: Cypheme (Hong Kong startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – A label combined with an app to check counterfeiting.

Addressing a Big Problem – Counterfeiting is an enormous problem for businesses all over the world. According to FBI, Interpol, World Customs Organization and International Chamber of Commerce estimates, roughly 7-8% of world trade every year is in counterfeit goods. This presents a big opportunity for the startup.

Ease of Use – The startup simply uses a micro-structured label, which a business has to attach to a product, and a machine based recognition app, which dealers/customers can use to read the label. No additional hardware or investment is required is a business wants to avail the service.

Safety & Reach – Having an app ensures that this system is safe and fool proof. Also it makes the service available to wider customer audience, thus making the solution more desirable for a business.

Startup Model – Social Alarm Clock

THE MODEL: A platform for users to set alarms and reminders and share with friends and family. Users can add pictures and videos to the alarms. Also users are rewarded points for shutting off alarms faster.

STARTUP: Cuckuu (Portuguese startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – Making a dreaded alarm into a social adventure.

Focus – The startup focuses on solving a simple and focused problem – making alarms and reminders more useful and fun.

Product Features – Users can create appealing alarms using pictures and videos. Adding sharing with friends adds the social networking angle to the service. The app is available on the Apple watch as well.

Understanding of User Behavior – Alarms are mostly set by groups of people and not individuals. Be it for waking in the morning, attending a party, catching up for a sport etc., generally friends/family members tend to set a reminder together and Cuckuu is able to help users do just that.

CONCERNS

Revenue – The app is free of charge for users. Though it focuses on a recurring need and has witnessed healthy user engagement, building a revenue model will be difficult for the startup.

Startup Model – Mobile App Discovery Platform Connecting Creators with Publishers

THE MODEL: A platform which connect content creators and agencies with publishers. The former want to share and market their content. The latter are looking to earn money by helping the former.

STARTUP: GeenApp (Spanish startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – A DIY platform for connecting advertisers and publishers is great as this is currently done through digital agencies mostly.

Good Service for Advertisers – Since the platform is DIY, all information is transparent. You can view and select campaigns which may be most suitable for you. Also the app provides you with analytics and support to review and improve your performance.

CONCERNS

Competition – A lot of digital ad agencies offer affiliate marketing as service. Having established relationships with clients, they will act as strong competition for the app.

Startup Model – Creating & Distributing Rich Mobile Advertising Solutions

THE MODEL: An innovative mobile advertising platform for creating advertisements and placing them on targeted devices. It is an end-to-end solution for mobile advertisers to deliver innovative solutions to targeted devices and improve ad metrics.

STARTUP: Smadex (Spanish startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – End to end solution for mobile advertisers.

Comprehensive – The service is a complete solution for mobile advertisers. All ad formats are supported on the platform.

DIY – Advertisers can create native, state of the art advertisements including video ads.

Startup Model – Interactive Workouts & Customized Nutrition Plans App

THE MODEL: An app where users can get information about customized workouts, adapted to any goals they have. Also customized nutrition plans are provided. Users can track their progress on the app itself and can also get one-to-one coaching from personal trainers (paid service).

STARTUP: 8Fit (Spanish startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – DIY app, giving information on workouts and nutrition.

Ease of Use – The user can get all information on the app itself. The details are presented in a very clear and formatted interface.

CONCERNS

Revenue – How many users will take the paid service of getting one-to-one coaching is something I am wary of. Maybe once a user is very comfortable with the app will he/she convert, but what that ratio would be I am not too sure. Other revenue models will need to be added to keep this app going in the long run.

Competition – There are many apps offering similar services to users. 

Startup Model – Tracking Mail Correspondence

THE MODEL: A Gmail plugin which tracks mail sent by a user. It works the same way Whatsapp does, a single tick  means that the mail has been sent and a double tick means that the recipient has to read it. Also you can know which recipients have read the mail if you send a mail to many (both sender and recipient must have the plugin installed). All updates can be seen in your mail account through real time notifications.

STARTUP: MailTrack (Spanish startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – Adding Whatsapp type features to e-mails is great and ensures a uniform experience for a user across both platforms.

Ease of Use – The plugin, once installed, works on it’s own. Also it is free to install.

Freemium – Again for a new product like this, this revenue model is perfect as the free version makes the user accustomed and craving for more (the paid version).

CONCERNS

Privacy – A lot of recipients would not want senders to know whether they have opened the mails or not (as in the case of Whatsapp).

Gmail – A plugin like this would be quite easy for Google to develop. How would the startup sustain if they decide to?

Startup Model – Mobile Payment App

THE MODEL: A platform for users to make payments to others in their contact list. A user needs to download the app, create an account and link his/her credit card. To make a payment, the user has to enter the amount and phone number to which the money has to be transferred. The money is then transferred to the receiver’s app. If the receiver does not have the app, then a web link is sent to the receiver where he/she can fill up the IBAN to which the money needs to be transferred.

STARTUP: Lydia (French startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – Making payments easy is great and will be adopted extensively.

Ease of Use – The app is very easy to use. Users can pay others with a single tap. Also the app uses QR codes and hence can be used on any smartphone.

Security – Card details are stored in Payline, the French leader in online card payments. Also every payment will require a user to enter a personal security code. If you lose your phone, you can temporarily suspend your account as well. All data and transactions are secure and confidential.

Banking Partners – Money in a Lydia account is stored in a BNP Paribas escrow account, which is guaranteed by Société Financière du Porte Monnaie Électronique Interbancaire.

CONCERNS

Competition – A lot of apps are entering this space. Having local partners and an understanding of the local market can prove to be advantageous though.

Startup Model – Monetizing Magazine Editorials through Ecommerce

The Model: A platform for users to find and buy products which they have seen in leading magazines. A user can click a photo from any partner magazine and suggested links to buy the products in the photo will get shown to him/her.

Startup Doing It: Selectionnist (French startup)

What I Like:

Core Idea – According to a study by the Selectionnist, 74% of women who read magazines try to find products they see in magazines. Finding the product is difficult and time consuming. The platform makes it easy and hassle free.

Easy to Use – Read an article, click a photograph and get links to complete your purchase.

Serving 2 Businesses – The platform actually serves 2 businesses, the magazine and the ecommerce store and hence has a chance of getting revenue from 2 sources.

Scalable – The startup model is lean, value additive and very easily scalable.

Startup Model – Dating with People Around You

The Model: A platform for users to discover people around them. A user can see profiles of people within a 250 metres radius. Also the number of times a person is around you can be seen on that person’s profile. If you want to show interest in someone, you can like their profile without that person knowing. Only if the other person also likes your profile will both of you get to know. Also if a user really does want to get noticed, he/she can charm a user to send a notification and if the other person shows interest as well, both can start a conversation.  

Startup Doing It: Happn (French startup)

What I Like:

Core Idea – Finding someone you like is a lot about seeing that person physically or knowing that you can very easily. To achieve this, showing profiles of people around makes sense.

Mutual Interest – Only when both users show interest in each other are they connected. Users need not be embarrassed about liking someone’s profile and hence will tend to engage better with the platform.

My Concerns:

Not Exhaustive – Since in this app users are limited to people around them, their requirement of finding someone may not be met. They move have to move to other dating apps, resulting in user retention issues for the platform.

Startup Model – Wifi Sharing

The Model: A platform for creating uninterrupted wifi connectivity, with users sharing their wifis. A user has to share his/her hotspot details with the platform. When a user is in a place where his/her network is weak, he/she can use the hotspot shared by other users in that area.

Startup Doing It: Instabridge (Swedish startup)

What I Like:

Core Idea – Building great wifi connectivity through user network sharing.

Ease of Use – Find a good network in any area and connect to it.

Big Problem Addressed – Connectivity issues are quite common in different areas, especially in developing countries. Network sharing is a great way to address this issue.

My Concerns:

Revenue Model – The startup is not monetizing currently. How they do is key in assessing the potential of this business. Some options they are considering are tie-ups with telecom operators, advertisements or a freemium model.

Security – Since users may be using other users’ network, security issues will deter some users from sharing their network.

Gamifying Users to Share – A user will be inclined to download the app when he/she wants to get wifi. Users will need to be incentivized to share their network first.

Startup Model – Communication Plug-in for Apps

The Model: A plug-in which can be embedded into any app and can add a host of functionalities such as voice calling, video calling, verification of user phone numbers and messaging. It is easy to integrate and is designed across platforms.

Startup Doing It: Sinch (Swedish startup)

What I Like:

Core Idea – A plug-in like Sinch makes it easier for a team building an app to concentrate on it’s core focus and not on building auxiliary services which the plug-in offers.

Easy Integration & Cross Platform – A major factor for success in such a business is how easily your plug-in integrates into apps and what all platforms it supports.

Modular Pricing – The pricing model is good as individual services are priced separately and a customer can buy a service individually without having to buy the entire gamut of services as a bundle.

Business Model is Growth Oriented – The plug-in integrates into apps and keeps growing as these apps keep growing.