Some startups set out to revolutionize the world, others to bring us a simple service. The later type is where a couple of good natured students from the Netherlands come in. BioIsChanged, is a service that lets you know when any of your Twitter friends change a bio or profile picture. That’s what the duo intends their app to do, and their holding to their idea. But there’s always room to improve upon a simple plan, right?
The 2nd version of BioIsChanged (BIC) has a new design, finds changes faster, and is more mobile friendly. BIC lets users choose to be alerted to changes immediately, daily, or weekly by e-mail. The web app, still in beta, already tracks close to 500,000 users and is gaining attention. KillerStartups caught up with the genial Dutchmen to hear the straight story from them.
How’d you come up with the name for your company?
It’s just the service we deliver. Bio is changed, nothing less and nothing more.
How many people did you start the company with and how many people work for you now?
The idea came from 1 person and then after some consultation…so, actually by 2 people. Jack and myself (Pieter). Jack has it all programmed. First we built specially for ourselves because we wanted it. Later for other people, so they can be happy with it too.
Who or what inspires YOU? Role models? Quotes? Running? Video games? Snack food? Give deets, dude!
Very cliche but there are certain quotes from famous people such as Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs. (Stay hungry, stay foolish). We’ve got our own quote in the office ‘It’s not about money, it’s about making people happy.’ All ideas have arisen in a Starbucks. So no fast food, just coffee.
How’d you fund this venture? VC? Self-funding? Crowd-funded? Where’d you get the money, man?
It’s all self funding. We are just students from the Netherlands.
What was the biggest mistake you made with this or a past company? Anything you would change?
Faster release of new versions. But students also have to study sometimes.
Do you consider yourself successful now? If not, what’s it gonna take to make you feel successful?
‘It’s not about money, it’s about making people happy’
Web App or site you couldn’t live without and why:
Gmail, Facebook, Twitter and Angry Birds. Why? Because it is possible.
Mobile App you’re in love with:
Probably Buienradar (a Dutch app that predicts the weather in a city or town) so we know if it’s possible to go home by bike.
Dogs or cats?
Neither of these, we love goldfish
iOS or Android?
Windows Phone 7, because it just works and it’s just beautiful.
Anything else we should know about what makes you and your company so special?
We’re just two students who love to make people happy with our services. Get updates as they happen on your social network.
BioIsChanged is currently looking for 20 beta testers for their new RSS and Pocket feature. KillerStartup readers have the unique opportunity to be the first help them out! For more info, contact Pieter and Jack at:
BioIsChanged.com
Photo Credits
BioIsChanged.com / Buienradar.nl
