The Spanish-speaking US population is growing rapidly, with 37 million native speakers and 233% growth since 1980. Undeniably the most common non-English language in the United States today, the mostly Hispanic market presents an amazing opportunity to startups who understand the people, language, and needs of this group.
One company, ezDinero, thinks they have what it takes to tap into a particularly fertile area – loans. Acting as an intermediary between people seeking personal loans and the institutions that are loaning the money, ezDinero lives up to its name (“easy money”) by letting people apply online, in seconds. Clients can expect their loans to be processed, approved, and funded in as little as 24 hours.
Based out of Chicago, ezDinero has over 30,000 physical locations across the US and boasts a team of highly-skilled, bilingual financial experts who are committed to helping the Hispanic market – one that they claim is full of a lot of first time borrowers – meet their personal loan needs. Founder Victor Torres chatted with us about his experiences getting ezDinero off the ground (spoiler alert: it wasn’t so easy) as well as his history as a bonafide tech geek.
What was your first computer? How old were you when you first got on the world wide web?
My first computer was a Heathkit H8 in 1977, which my brother and I put together from a kit! We actually accessed a university server from it using the phone line to play a text-based adventure game.
My first time on the world wide web was in 1989, while a student at Yale University. I’ve always considered myself a technology geek.
When do your best ideas come to you? In bed in the morning? During dinner? On your third beer?
Definitely while running.
A lot of people have big ideas. What gave you the confidence to actually go after yours?
I am very ambitious, and I gain confidence from collaborating with others. My education also gives me confidence.
Got any great bootstrapping tips for the lean startups out there?
Work hard and keep your goal in mind!
What other advice do you have for other entrepreneurs struggling to get started?
Network, network, network!
What would you do if you had a year off and $500,000 to spend (on something other than work)?
I would get into space tourism.
Where can our readers find you?
Facebook, Twitter, or Google+!
