Bazari: Q&A
To help you to get to know the companies presenting at LaunchUp #7 we asked each to respond to a few questions…
The following Q&A segment is with Cody Campbell, CEO of Bazari.
Q: What does your company do?
A: Bazari is a text message based platform that provides the benefits of eCommerce to markets without internet access. We are targeting the world’s fastest growing markets such as India and the Philippines. Through the platform, customers can browse for products, purchase the specified product, make the payment, and have the product delivered similar to shopping on eBay or Amazon. Additionally, baked into our platform are business intelligence and data reporting capabilities.
Q: Why does that matter and how do you make the world a better place?
A: I am so accustomed to having instant access to the internet that I forget how much being able to search, browse, and purchase products has simplified my life. We are providing the benefits of eCommerce to individuals who currently have no access to the internet.
Q: Why is your company cool?
A: Texting is cool. All the cool kids are doing it. Just imagine how much cooler it will be when you combine it with shopping, something else all the cool kids do. Additionally, we are launching a company that will have operations in India and the Philippines. I don’t know if you have been to India or the Philippines, but they are pretty “cool” places.
Q: What 3 lessons/observations would you tell other entrepreneurs?
A: 1) Don’t try and do it solo. Partner with other companies and bring on solid team members ASAP. 2) Share your idea with everyone, you’ll be surprised the great advice and help you receive. 3) Get traction early. Don’t wait until you have a complete product to start trying to sell it.
Q: Pick 5 people for your entrepreneur dream team (assuming you and your team were riding the bench)
A: 1. Sergey Brin, 2. Suhas Gopinath, 3. Tom Lounibos, 4. Jeff Bezos, and 5. Brian Regan to keep us entertained.
Q: Which one pursuit? Golf, Basketball, Skiing/Snowboarding, Knitting, Mountaineering/Climbing, Bowling, Watching Grass Grow
A: Definitely Mountaineering. I think it is in an entreprenuer’s DNA to want to reach the top.
Q: Why are you an entrepreneur in Utah?
A: We are in Utah because of events and programs like LaunchUp. The community in Utah is incredibly supportive of entrepreneurs and we have access to an amazing network of individuals that have “been there and done that.” We wouldn’t be where we are right now if it wasn’t for the support we have received from the community.
We look forward to LaunchUp #7 and hearing more from Bazari!
