FROM THE START: A chat with the founder of Curieye.
Too often, we learn from other founders only after they’ve “already made it,” but there’s a lot to gain from their journeys as early-stage entrepreneurs. FROM THE START is an interview series with founders from our 2021–2022 Incubator that will trace their startup stories from the beginning, reveal some of the resources helping them overcome the bumps, and point out ways you can help them thrive.
Since joining the Incubator in May, all of the companies have been hustling to get their brands and businesses out there. Now it’s time to get to know them!
Some answers have been edited slightly for brevity.
What’s been the journey that’s led you to start your company?
Even as a freshman in 2016 at the University of Pittsburgh’s business school, it was nearly impossible to avoid the booming entrepreneurial community. I discovered my love for entrepreneurship as I pursued my degrees in finance and computer science, participated in Pitt’s Big Idea competition, and won several awards for leadership.
The university- and community-led competitions and entrepreneurship programs brought our Curieye team together. My co-founders (Dan Penney and Dom Gurnari) and I have a soft spot for pursuing our own ideas and building a strong and successful business.
What’s the problem that your business is solving, and what gives you confidence that you’re the right person to do this?
As digital capabilities become the focus in many industries and consumers worldwide move online, some things can be lost in the transfer. The arts, entertainment, and recreation industries, with their revenue bound to the number of people coming through the door, were hit dramatically by the recent events of COVID-19. With doors closed and opening only slowly to lower capacities, those museums, art galleries, zoos, and public attractions that have provided online services realized their full potential, and those that didn’t, suffered greatly.
Integrating with telepresence robot technology will provide these establishments and institutions with a new interactive, consistent, and expansive revenue stream to guide them even through times of uncertainty. Curieye aims to build software services and experiences to help our clients realize the benefits of telepresence technology for their businesses and visitors.
We are confident that Curieye can be the startup to succeed in this space because of three main factors: timing, place, and our team’s skills and motivation. The places, as of now, being Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, both bustling hubs of culture, art, and history. The timing is based on an apparent need displayed by our prospective clients who have seen dramatic decreases in on-sight visitation. Of course, last but certainly not least, our team’s composition of skill, knowledge, and motivation around this business has already shown to be a good match.
What has helped you overcome the bumps you’ve encountered so far in your entrepreneurial journey?
The consistent bump we face is balancing our day jobs with our startup work. Right now, we’re not full-time with Curieye. Our team members work for other corporations, forcing our team to juggle that alongside Curieye. The main mantra that keeps us going is, “Try to see yourself through to the fullest potential and pursue this BIG idea until it starts pursuing you back.”
What’s a resource or tip that’s helped you develop as a founder and move your business forward?
It may sound like a reiteration of what many have said before, but reach out! Reach out to have a discussion — bounce ideas off someone, ANYONE. In reaching out, you do so many things at the same time. You validate your idea, realize new barriers, generate new connections, and so much more. Talking about your startup is key, and the more you do it, the more relaxed you will be going into every new conversation. “Oh yeah, I have heard that before, here’s your answer….”
What’s next? How can our readers help you?
In the coming months, Curieye’s efforts will be two-pronged: software MVP development and on-site pilot testing.
For our software development, we are beginning to build and test features that will enhance the user experience of telepresence robots, making for better virtual tour experiences. So please keep an eye out on our website (www.curieye.com) or Instagram (@curieye_llc) for your chance to test these UX enhancements.
Regarding pilot testing, we hope to bring our telepresence robots to a new visitor attraction in the Pittsburgh area in the next 2–3 months. If you are a mid- to large-size business and are interested in more information regarding offering telepresence robot tours, please reach out to teamcurieye@gmail.com.
And for everyone else, your chance to take a robot tour from the comfort of your home will be available again soon. More details on that are coming in the near future!
Learn more about Curieye.
Visit: http://www.curieye.com/
Connect with us
Learn more about Ascender: https://ascenderpgh.com/
Sign up for our newsletter or send us a note: info@ascenderpgh.com
Follow us: Twitter — Facebook — LinkedIn — Instagram
From fledgling tech companies, healthcare innovators, and nonprofits to makers, creators, services and shops, Ascender is for Pittsburgh’s entrepreneurs. We help businesses of all types in the Pittsburgh region start and build a business through education and connectivity. See how Ascender can help you.
GIL DREYFUSS was originally published in Ascender on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
