For this week’s startup pitch I met with Robin over a coffee at Rosso Espresso. He is a real startup Entrepreneur in my books, quit his job, and is focussed on making Collectstor a winner.
Your Name: Robin Roy Julius / Kaytlin Marie Error
Startup Name: Collectstor
Website Address: http://www.collectstor.com
Approx Launch Date: Nov 2013
In 100 words or less, explain your startups purpose.
Collectstor solves an issue that many collectors have. If someone is a fan of multiple things then they have to visit multiple websites to post pictures and interact with other fans. Our website creates an open environment for sharing and discussing no matter what that may be. It allows users to share their passion while exploring others’.
How will you fund and grow your startup?
We are currently reviewing and discussing various business models and plan to present Collectstor to VCs in the future.
Whats so hard about your startup idea anyway?
The hardest part about our startup is finding users who prefer being active with uploading their items on the website versus signing up to browse and socialize.
Why would I choose you and not your competitor(c’mon, everyone has one)?
Collectstor’s competitors focus solely on pop culture and serious collections; however we do not. Collectstor understands that a collection can be anything from a button to a car. A collector doesn’t need to have rare items, just be passionate about what they love. Because of this, our product creates a place for people to explore and discover others’ items and possibly create new connections through it.
What’s the most important tool, resource, person or anything that enabled you to launch your startup?
Passion is required because the perseverance and rejection which you will get will be immense. This will not only come from potential investors but also from your closest circle of friends and family. Another important advice which Bill Tai (@KiteVC) told me is to find someone who will complement your skills. Jobs had Wozniak, Page had Brin and Yang had Filo; they all complemented each other’s skills, which led me to approach Kaytlin. She has believed in the idea from the start.
What was the best advice you ever got about your startup, and who from?
“Our time is limited, don’t spend your life living someone else’s life.” from Steve Jobs’ Stanford Commencement Speech in 2005 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1R-jKKp3NA
Who are you and the founders in your team and what do they do?
Robin Julius: Founder and Programmer Kaytlin Error: Co-Founder and Marketing/PR
Check them out at http://www.collectstor.com