Some sites let you track what’s going on, some sites let you see what your friends are up to, and some sites let you write reviews about places and events but what about one that does all three? Geopieces let’s you do just that, providing a comprehensive platform for sharing your location, your events, and what you think about them.
But wait! There’s a twist! Going beyond standard events sites, Geopieces has added a sort of game element, giving you 5,000 free “Geocredits” when you sign up, with which you can “buy” parts of the map and own virtual property. You can purchase more credits later or earn them by people visiting real life places that you recommend. It’s like a Yelp/Foursquare/Facebook/Second Life amalgam.
Co-founder Jörg Eibl took a coffee break and chatted it up with KillerStartups about rainbow-eating unicorns, swimming, and just why his website is awesome.
How’d you come up with the name for your company?
After countless hours and dashboards full of names we just went for it. It’s hard to get a hold on a name but let me tell you a secret for those who are still searching for theirs: Call it knuffel or anything else that can be pronounced and that has a free .com domain. If the project is good, people will remember.
What’s the very first thing you do at work everyday?
Coffee, accept no substitutes.
How many people did you start the company with and how many people work for you now?
We started the company with two people, the financier and me. Now my brother joined the ranks and is in charge of all the online marketing.
Remember the early days starting up? Maybe you can share one anecdote that describe the struggle you went through?
Trying to tie the loose ends together to fit it into a nice clean idea can be a massive pain. But every hour spent shaves of countless hours of writing code over and over again. You will have to do this eventually to keep up with the latest and greatest technology anyways so why [not] start early?
How do you handle frustration? When/how was the last time you dealt with frustration?
If you don’t get frustrated, someone in the team is not working for the cause. It’s bound to happen, because if there is no friction you will not get new and fresh ideas to actually make your project better. If you do get frustrated refer to question 2.
What’s your office environment like? Is it the kind of place where everyone is bumpin’ away to house music or is it more traditional?
Traditional, no. House, no. Let’s say everyone has headphones and that’s good.
How do you picture your company in 5 years?
Having a team of brilliant people. I have too many ideas to implement and there is not enough time. There is never enough time if you plan on sleeping or eating.
Who or what inspires YOU? Role models? Quotes? Running? Video games? Snack food? Give us the deets, dude!
I started to swim regularly. That helps with stress and anything repetitive will free your mind to think of new great things, even taking a long shower.
How’d you fund this venture? VC? Self-funding? Crowd-funded? Where’d you get the money, man?
We are self-funded. Looking for an investor though. It really helps when you co-founder is already invested in traditional businesses and helps you build a new one from the start.
Got any great bootstrapping tips for the lean startups out there?
First get your idea straight. Make a business plan. I know it’s hard but only then can you estimate what you will need to accomplish your goals. Doing anything before that is just a waste of time.
Do you consider yourself a successful entrepreneur right now? If not, what’s it gonna take to make you feel successful?
I don’t know what others think is successful. I think we are doing pretty well. Doing all that we have accomplished with the relatively small money footprint, that’s what I would call successful. Achieving something awesome with tons of money just isn’t the spirit.
Website you couldn’t live without and why?
Youtube. I’m always searching for new music and inspirations. This site is on a tab 24/7 a day.
Mobile App you’re in love with and why?
Google Analytics App. Because it can make your day or destroy your motivation with the movement of a curve.
Dogs or cats?
Rainbow eating unicorns because if you want a unique pet you better start making your own. (Patent courtesy of the internet)
iOS or Android?
Android. Trust me, I’m an engineer.
Number 1 country you’ve always wanted to visit but haven’t yet?
I have never been to Canada. Thailand also has pretty awesome spots.
What’s the greatest thing about your company/website/idea?
You can geo-tag your content and events everywhere on the map. And if you feel like a landlord you can start trading geopieces. First geopiece is free. Content, of course, is always free.
Where can our readers get ahold of you?
