Posted by Krista Paul
Techstars had our first “Founder’s Dinner” on Thursday to go over the initial weeks of the program. The official count (as of today):
Been here: 26 Days
Time left: approx 60 days (give or take a week or so for the BIG day)
This means we are already over a quarter of the way finished with the program! It also means we’re nearing the start of the Phase II, which is designated as the “hauling ass on your idea” phase. So eloquently put, David. Bravo.
I want to briefly recap our progress thus far and give a little update on what is to come. I think we’ve made incredible advancement in terms of refining our idea and proving that it can actually be done (sort of important, dontchyathink?) We’ve digested tons and tons of advice from a lot of people within the Boulder tech community and from other introductions made in Techstars. We’ve analyzed each bit of input and used it ultimately to get to where we are now. A lot has changed. A lot has stayed the same. In a nutshell, we are doing a lot more with a lot less. So instead of trying to solve every problem today in travel (a noble, yet stupid feat), we are trying to solve a few specific problems really well. And we are trying to do it pretty freaking fast.
So what’s ahead?
Well, we’ve identified our biggest potential problem: so much coding to be done…only one coder to do it—and have come up with a solid solution. Thanks to Nathan’s various connections in his past world, we have an extremely overqualified coder joining the team next week on a part-time basis with the potential to come on full-time. The two have worked together in the past and complement each other’s weaknesses so it should be a match made in Techstar Heaven. You will see them holding hands throughout the Bunker.
Engaging mentors is still at the forefront of our plans in July, particularly for us business types who aren’t coding all day (believe me, we wish we could). We’ve already engaged some pretty incredible mentors, but I think we could have even done better, so we’re pushing to talk to more people and maximize our exposure to those who want to be involved. I’m also trying to do a better job of keeping track of what we learn, so you will see blogs popping up about specific mentor meetings in my personal blog or here – depending on my mood.
The last update is regarding our new design. We will be launching the new domain name and design this week. Yeah! More news on that soon. There is still much tweaking to be had with the logo and some other design stuff, but it’s a good start.
In closing, we’ve got a new mantra we are repeating incessantly in our brains as we race into phase two of Techstars (a Brad Feld and David Cohen favorite): “Do or Do Not. There is No Try.” Amen sista.
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Posted by on 06/19/08 at 12:22 hrs.
Posted by Elliot Sawyer
So nearly a month into TechStars we have decided that we all have jobs to do here. Not to sound obvious, but we have certainly learned our roles within the company and how to help each other out. We are aligning our focus, turning on hyperspeed, and according to our latest mantra, dividing and conquering (nothin' but love for ya Austin). We feel the need to move fast and in order to do so we must use our time effectively and not overlap each other's duties. As a startup you usually do not enjoy the privileges of working with your team day in and day out. TechStars has given us the divine opportunity to congregate each day and also to engage experts within the Boulder tech community. This has brought on a much-needed focus that has hit us like a ton of bricks. We feel the need to focus our attention on serving the unmet needs of frequent flyers on the web. This is gaining traction and a niche that is overlooked sometimes within the overpopulated online travel space. So, FF's here we come, we are going to divide and conquer to relieve your pain points.
So nearly a month into TechStars we have decided that we all have jobs to do here. Not to sound obvious, but we have certainly learned our roles within the company and how to help each other out. We are aligning our focus, turning on hyperspeed, and according to our latest mantra, dividing and conquering (nothin' but love for ya Austin). We feel the need to move fast and in order to do so we must use our time effectively and not overlap each other's duties. As a startup you usually do not enjoy the privileges of working with your team day in and day out. TechStars has given us the divine opportunity to congregate each day and also to engage experts within the Boulder tech community. This has brought on a much-needed focus that has hit us like a ton of bricks. We feel the need to focus our attention on serving the unmet needs of frequent flyers on the web. This is gaining traction and a niche that is overlooked sometimes within the overpopulated online travel space. So, FF's here we come, we are going to divide and conquer to relieve your pain points.
Posted by on 06/18/08 at 13:39 hrs.
Posted by Krista PaulIf you are a Mac user and a United flyer (like me), I’ve got some reasonably good news for you today. United is the first U.S. airline to offer passengers iPod and iPhone connectivity within its in-flight entertainment system. This means you will be able access any content as well as watch videos you’ve downloaded on your personal 15.4 inch television, rather than having to rely on the extremely small iPhone/Pod screen.
United will be re-engineering their entire fleet of International aircraft to offer lie-flat seats, on-demand entertainment, and iPhone/iPod interconnectivity….the rub? You gotta be in business or first class to enjoy this perk.
Shameless self-promotion: our new site will help you track your flyer status and show you how to reach elite status level and get bumped into first and business class....
Posted by on 06/18/08 at 13:16 hrs.
Posted by Krista Paul
The TripDoor (dba Travelfli) had our weekly meeting with David Cohen yesterday and it went very well. He commended us on tightening our focus over the first three weeks of TechStars and surmised that focus will probably be one of our biggest challenges this summer (we concur). He also made some great points that we are taking into account as we develop the registration flow on the new site.
In order for our tools to work most effectively, we need a certain amount of information from our users (including mile program information and where they want to go). He suggested that people will probably be way more interested in giving us their “Wish Lists’ for places they want to go rather than providing us with all of the tedious information concerning their frequent flyer accounts. We need both.
His advice left us thinking about how we can create a very easy registration process that will also capture just enough information so we are able to demonstrate the value of our tools to our users, thus compelling them to give us additional information so we can help them use miles more effectively.
This brings me to the million dollar question: if you’re landing on my site, what would it take for you to provide me with even a single frequent flyer account number to start tracking in our tool? Have most people memorized at least one number? David has committed at least two numbers to memory (United and American) and will recite them freely when prompted. Likewise, we also ran into Jared Polis late night in the bunker, and he too could recite on the spot at least two of his major frequent flyer accounts. Is this normal or are these two just number guys? On the flip side, Brad Feld keeps a little card in his wallet that has all of his frequent flyer numbers jotted down on it. It seems like most people have some weird way of remembering their numbers – but of course they still don’t really know what to do with all of the miles they’re accumulating.
If remembering at least one number is commonplace, then we might consider asking for it during registration. If not, then we might make it optional and go straight to the fun question: where do you want to go?
Let us know how YOU remember your frequent flyer information!
The TripDoor (dba Travelfli) had our weekly meeting with David Cohen yesterday and it went very well. He commended us on tightening our focus over the first three weeks of TechStars and surmised that focus will probably be one of our biggest challenges this summer (we concur). He also made some great points that we are taking into account as we develop the registration flow on the new site.
In order for our tools to work most effectively, we need a certain amount of information from our users (including mile program information and where they want to go). He suggested that people will probably be way more interested in giving us their “Wish Lists’ for places they want to go rather than providing us with all of the tedious information concerning their frequent flyer accounts. We need both.
His advice left us thinking about how we can create a very easy registration process that will also capture just enough information so we are able to demonstrate the value of our tools to our users, thus compelling them to give us additional information so we can help them use miles more effectively.
This brings me to the million dollar question: if you’re landing on my site, what would it take for you to provide me with even a single frequent flyer account number to start tracking in our tool? Have most people memorized at least one number? David has committed at least two numbers to memory (United and American) and will recite them freely when prompted. Likewise, we also ran into Jared Polis late night in the bunker, and he too could recite on the spot at least two of his major frequent flyer accounts. Is this normal or are these two just number guys? On the flip side, Brad Feld keeps a little card in his wallet that has all of his frequent flyer numbers jotted down on it. It seems like most people have some weird way of remembering their numbers – but of course they still don’t really know what to do with all of the miles they’re accumulating.
If remembering at least one number is commonplace, then we might consider asking for it during registration. If not, then we might make it optional and go straight to the fun question: where do you want to go?
Let us know how YOU remember your frequent flyer information!
Posted by on 06/13/08 at 17:28 hrs.
Posted by Krista Paul
I'm not even going to spend much time on this because it sucks so much --- but I feel the need to report the facts as they are released.
US Airways hit an all-time low today in the airline's fierce competition on who can screw the traveler the most. Here's the latest folks: they're charging $15 for first checked bag, $2 for a non-alcoholic beverage, and $25 to redeem a frequent flyer ticket for domestic flights and to Canada. Price goes up the further you travel --- Mexico & the Carribean cost you $35, while Hawaii and destinations outside of North America cost $50.
We're hoping that by providing you with a much easier way to manage and book frequent flyer tickets, that in the end it will offset some of the grievances the airlines are causing. I mean, we all gotta fly, right?
I'm not even going to spend much time on this because it sucks so much --- but I feel the need to report the facts as they are released. US Airways hit an all-time low today in the airline's fierce competition on who can screw the traveler the most. Here's the latest folks: they're charging $15 for first checked bag, $2 for a non-alcoholic beverage, and $25 to redeem a frequent flyer ticket for domestic flights and to Canada. Price goes up the further you travel --- Mexico & the Carribean cost you $35, while Hawaii and destinations outside of North America cost $50.
We're hoping that by providing you with a much easier way to manage and book frequent flyer tickets, that in the end it will offset some of the grievances the airlines are causing. I mean, we all gotta fly, right?
Posted by on 06/13/08 at 15:04 hrs.
Posted by Krista Paul
I love Virgin Airways. Just as I'm starting to shed a few tears in response to U.S. Airways slapping all these nasty fees on top of seemingly 'free' frequent flyer bookings, I come across Virgin Atlantic's new Amex Card....which allows you to redeem miles for SPACE TRAVEL!!!! How cool is that?
In fact, one guy's already done it. A cardholder in the UK (where the card was released several years back) has cashed in all of his miles for one seat on the Virgin Galactic, date TBD.
So grab a card and start making crazy purchases on the B of A branded card, and you may be on your way to the best frequent flyer seat in the world.
I love Virgin Airways. Just as I'm starting to shed a few tears in response to U.S. Airways slapping all these nasty fees on top of seemingly 'free' frequent flyer bookings, I come across Virgin Atlantic's new Amex Card....which allows you to redeem miles for SPACE TRAVEL!!!! How cool is that?In fact, one guy's already done it. A cardholder in the UK (where the card was released several years back) has cashed in all of his miles for one seat on the Virgin Galactic, date TBD.
So grab a card and start making crazy purchases on the B of A branded card, and you may be on your way to the best frequent flyer seat in the world.
Posted by on 06/13/08 at 12:31 hrs.
Posted by Elliot Sawyer
The TSA has implemented regulations concerning long lines at the Security Checks in airports. There is now a tiered system in place for travelers to get placed into the particular security line that is reflective of the type of traveler they are.
The three different lines are:
They've also attached a ski metaphor to the whole idea - so expert travelers are gnarly black diamond skiers, while casual travelers can be found cruising down the blues.
I do, however, find some merit to the family line, and it looks like it's been the most effective part of the new program. Early reports say families enjoy feeling less pressure, especially when there is already enough stress associated with flying with kids.
Frequent flyers theoretically can now breeze through lines rather than analyzing every move of the inexperienced traveling klutz in front of them. The only caveat is that travel klutz's actually have to commit to their category.
The TSA has implemented regulations concerning long lines at the Security Checks in airports. There is now a tiered system in place for travelers to get placed into the particular security line that is reflective of the type of traveler they are.
The three different lines are:
- Family/Special Assistance
- Casual Traveler
- Expert Traveler
They've also attached a ski metaphor to the whole idea - so expert travelers are gnarly black diamond skiers, while casual travelers can be found cruising down the blues.
I do, however, find some merit to the family line, and it looks like it's been the most effective part of the new program. Early reports say families enjoy feeling less pressure, especially when there is already enough stress associated with flying with kids.Frequent flyers theoretically can now breeze through lines rather than analyzing every move of the inexperienced traveling klutz in front of them. The only caveat is that travel klutz's actually have to commit to their category.
Posted by on 06/12/08 at 17:10 hrs.
Posted by Krista Paul
The British Airways new airline, Open Skies, has introduced a concierge service initiative to complement their flights. It will be a free resource for those of you who fly with the airline. The service is available after you book your flight to help you plan for your trip, which may include finding a hotel, renting a car, etc. They’ve hired 10 people specifically to help them with this cause – and I’m pretty positive a hiring prerequisite had to do with the nature of your name…as Aurore, Chantal, Dominique, Freddy, Frédéric, Hichem, Karin, Petra, Sonja, and Stellan were their new hires.
That being said, it’s interesting to note that this airline, in particular, is taking a different approach to the grim present reality in the airline industry. Every day we read stories about airlines like American charging for first checked bags, planes flying slower to decrease fuel consumption, or the unilateral increase across the board for change fees. This airline has taken a different approach by providing ADDITIONAL VALUE to passengers in order to keep them happy and loyal, rather than nickel and diming them to death. I’ll have to say I commend the effort on their part and it will be interesting to see how it pans out.
The concierge concept, coincidentally, is something we have been tossing around within the company. Our new suite of online services will allow travelers to electronically manage and execute awards travel like never before. We will also be able to intelligently suggest travel opportunities to you depending on your mileage balances and the places you tell us you’d like to visit. For instance, if you are planning a trip to Boston and you’re tracking fares in our system, we can tell you what miles would be most effective for that flight. Oh, and btw – you’ve also got a large balance of Marriot Rewards that you haven’t touched in over a year (“Doh! I forgot I had those!”) So why pay for lodging on your trip when you can use reward points on our site to book a stay for free? While you’re at it, we might suggest that you grab a rental car with your balance of unused Avis miles, and so on and so forth. I’m sure you get the point. These services, however, provide real value to users and people are willing to pay for them. In fact, every meeting we’ve had with a TechStars mentor or visiting executive from a technology powerhouse out West ends with someone saying, “Heck, I’d definitely pay you to tell me how to use my miles.”
Our team firmly believes there should always be a free version, but as services grow more complex and useful, so do the costs of maintaining and enhancing them. The question I pose to you: would you pay to have somebody manage your miles, and if so, what would you pay for and how much?
The British Airways new airline, Open Skies, has introduced a concierge service initiative to complement their flights. It will be a free resource for those of you who fly with the airline. The service is available after you book your flight to help you plan for your trip, which may include finding a hotel, renting a car, etc. They’ve hired 10 people specifically to help them with this cause – and I’m pretty positive a hiring prerequisite had to do with the nature of your name…as Aurore, Chantal, Dominique, Freddy, Frédéric, Hichem, Karin, Petra, Sonja, and Stellan were their new hires.
That being said, it’s interesting to note that this airline, in particular, is taking a different approach to the grim present reality in the airline industry. Every day we read stories about airlines like American charging for first checked bags, planes flying slower to decrease fuel consumption, or the unilateral increase across the board for change fees. This airline has taken a different approach by providing ADDITIONAL VALUE to passengers in order to keep them happy and loyal, rather than nickel and diming them to death. I’ll have to say I commend the effort on their part and it will be interesting to see how it pans out.
The concierge concept, coincidentally, is something we have been tossing around within the company. Our new suite of online services will allow travelers to electronically manage and execute awards travel like never before. We will also be able to intelligently suggest travel opportunities to you depending on your mileage balances and the places you tell us you’d like to visit. For instance, if you are planning a trip to Boston and you’re tracking fares in our system, we can tell you what miles would be most effective for that flight. Oh, and btw – you’ve also got a large balance of Marriot Rewards that you haven’t touched in over a year (“Doh! I forgot I had those!”) So why pay for lodging on your trip when you can use reward points on our site to book a stay for free? While you’re at it, we might suggest that you grab a rental car with your balance of unused Avis miles, and so on and so forth. I’m sure you get the point. These services, however, provide real value to users and people are willing to pay for them. In fact, every meeting we’ve had with a TechStars mentor or visiting executive from a technology powerhouse out West ends with someone saying, “Heck, I’d definitely pay you to tell me how to use my miles.”
Our team firmly believes there should always be a free version, but as services grow more complex and useful, so do the costs of maintaining and enhancing them. The question I pose to you: would you pay to have somebody manage your miles, and if so, what would you pay for and how much?
Posted by on 06/05/08 at 13:00 hrs.
Posted By Elliot Sawyer
The first three days of this week were crazily awesome. We had Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday designated for Google, Amazon, and Microsoft respectively. The days were packed with priceless technical advice. The representatives from each company were so helpful!
We spent Wednesday morning with the guys from Generation Think Tank as they were moving into their new offices (sick). We loved the story about microwaving Crocs and how these caught people's attention from a marketing standpoint (great idea Brett Jackson).
As we met with mentors and executives throughout the three days, they enjoyed the idea that we are now targeting frequent flyers...mainly, because they are all frequent flyers. Everyone has their pain points and/or one crazy story about being on the phone for hours on end with airline reps. So just to let everybody know---we feel your pain and we are bringing you the antidote. Our focus this summer is solely on relieving problems FF's deal with - day in and day out.
The first three days of this week were crazily awesome. We had Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday designated for Google, Amazon, and Microsoft respectively. The days were packed with priceless technical advice. The representatives from each company were so helpful!
We spent Wednesday morning with the guys from Generation Think Tank as they were moving into their new offices (sick). We loved the story about microwaving Crocs and how these caught people's attention from a marketing standpoint (great idea Brett Jackson).
As we met with mentors and executives throughout the three days, they enjoyed the idea that we are now targeting frequent flyers...mainly, because they are all frequent flyers. Everyone has their pain points and/or one crazy story about being on the phone for hours on end with airline reps. So just to let everybody know---we feel your pain and we are bringing you the antidote. Our focus this summer is solely on relieving problems FF's deal with - day in and day out.
Posted by on 06/03/08 at 15:52 hrs.
Here's some new travel intelligence for those of you who care what role online travel will play this summer (TripDoor cares deeply). eMarketer released a report today stating that more than 7 out of 10 families planning travel this summer will book online!
Half of those surveyed relied on friends and family for recommendations on travel, while 21% said they used travel books. Three-quarters used the Internet for travel planning. These findings definitely support our argument that gone are the days when planning and researching travel is a one size fits all solution. People want a customized experience and they can always find it on the Internet (read: glad I'm not running Let's Go).
Despite high fuel costs, more than seven out of 10 of the respondents will take their summer vacations by car because it's still cheaper than airfare. Where will they go? Theme parks (30%) are the most popular trip category, followed by family visits (27%), road trips (22%), camping trips (21%) and trips to other US destinations (19%).
Half of those surveyed relied on friends and family for recommendations on travel, while 21% said they used travel books. Three-quarters used the Internet for travel planning. These findings definitely support our argument that gone are the days when planning and researching travel is a one size fits all solution. People want a customized experience and they can always find it on the Internet (read: glad I'm not running Let's Go).
Despite high fuel costs, more than seven out of 10 of the respondents will take their summer vacations by car because it's still cheaper than airfare. Where will they go? Theme parks (30%) are the most popular trip category, followed by family visits (27%), road trips (22%), camping trips (21%) and trips to other US destinations (19%).
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