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Somebody Build This: A Platform for Crowdsourcing Business Ideas
Technology Category
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - Public Cloud
- Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Application Development Platforms
Applicable Industries
- Buildings
- Cement
Applicable Functions
- Product Research & Development
Use Cases
- Building Automation & Control
Services
- Training
The Challenge
The co-founders of Somebody Build This (SBT), Lauren Meyer and Paul Mickan, identified a gap in the market where good ideas often don't make it past an iPhone note or dinner conversation. On the other hand, there are millions of potential entrepreneurs who want to start a business but lack the right idea. The challenge was to create a platform that could connect these two groups, amplifying people's ideas and connecting them with potential entrepreneurs. This would facilitate product ideation and reduce the risk of starting a business. The co-founders also wanted a platform that could offer features like an upvoting system, which was not possible with CMS platforms like Wix and SquareSpace that they had previously used.
About The Customer
The primary customers of Somebody Build This are current and aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking for innovative business ideas. These individuals may have the desire and resources to start a business but lack a unique idea. They can benefit from the platform by gaining access to a wide range of ideas posted by the 'Thinker' community. The platform also serves individuals who have innovative ideas but do not plan to build a business around them. These 'Thinkers' can post their ideas, receive feedback, and see their ideas potentially turned into a business by other entrepreneurs. The platform thus serves a dual purpose, catering to both idea generators and potential business founders.
The Solution
SBT was built using Bubble, a no-code tool that allowed the co-founders to create the features they wanted without needing to hire an engineer. The platform allows users to sign up for a free 'Thinker' account, post ideas, upvote/comment on existing ideas, and engage with the Thinker community. The ideas posted range from simple product suggestions to complex business concepts. The platform also encourages entrepreneurs to post inchoate ideas to validate their concept and receive feedback. In the future, SBT plans to launch paid entrepreneur features, including data analytics for posted ideas and primary research capabilities. The goal is to change the way entrepreneurs find new business ideas and engage with their early target customers.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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