Boston Startup: Abroad101 Moves Out Of The Nest INTERVIEW

Back in April we reported on an innovative EdTech startup in Boston called Abroad101. Abroad101 is like a travelocity of sorts for those students looking to study abroad.

Abroad 101 allows users to review just about every aspect of a study abroad program. With the real feedback from students who’ve been through the study abroad programs, you can find out how the teaching staff and curriculum are, how the shopping in the city is, how the nightlife is and even if it’s safe to walk from the car to the classroom by yourself at night. The idea behind Abroad101 was an untapped space and the Boston company and MassChallenge graduate are doing a great job of filling it.

So great in fact, it’s time to leave the safety and security of the MassChallenge nest and branch out on their own.

We got to talk with the guys from Abroad101 about just that, see the quick interview below the break

What is Abroad101?


Abroad101 is the first and largest study abroad reviews website. We provide software-as-a-service tools to universities nationwide that want to collect study abroad program evaluations from students, automatically share that information with prospective students, create reports on their data, and compare their data to other institutions. Abroad101.com contains a directory of study abroad programs across which students and administrators can view, read, or aggregate evaluation data collected from partner institutions and directly from students. Study abroad program providers can manage their program listings and use Abroad101 to reach prospective students. Our software benefits both students searching for the perfect program and the universities who want better insight into their own programs and the evaluation process.

Who are the founders and what are their backgrounds?

Abroad101 was founded by 3 childhood friends: Michael Stone, Adam Miller and Mark Lurie all hailing from Weston, MA outside Boston. Adam Miller serves as the company’s CEO and Co-Founder. Adam graduated from MIT in 2007 with a BS in Economics. An entrepreneur since the age of thirteen, he brings the crucial knowledge of starting and running several internet companies. Michael Stone is the President and Co-Founder. Michael graduated from Tufts University in 2007 with a BA in psychology and a minor in media and communications studies. Mike studied abroad in Talloires, France as well as Melbourne, Australia, and helped teach and administer a Tufts study abroad program in France. He has an extensive international background in the marketing industry through his experience in account management at Arnold Advertising, in Boston and Melbourne, Australia. Mark Lurie serves on the board of Abroad101 and just completed his MBA at Harvard University.

What are three takeaways from Mass Challenge, that you guys have personally learned/experienced?

1) Listen, Tweak, Repeat.
2) You can never have too many supporters and mentors.
3) Don’t wait until you have the perfect product before launching, work with your audience to gain feedback and continually iterate after launch.

What was one great piece of feedback that came out of MassChallenge?

The best feedback we have received so far is the importance of failing fast and constantly iterating development.  During the beginning stages of the business we were so concerned about building the perfect tool that we were stuck in this paranoid “stealth mode.”  We waited far too long before launching our site and enabling our stakeholders to contribute feedback.  No entrepreneur will ever feel that their product is perfect, but it is much better to put yourself out there, identify and respond to failures quickly, and evolve the tool over time.  We have two ears and one mouth for a reason.  Listen to your audience, and never stop tweaking.

Are you scared about going out on your own? Will you still have mentors to call on via MassChallenge when you move away from the nest?

We couldn’t be more excited and proud that we’re spreading our wings and going out on our own. Sure, there are things we could be nervous about, yet we’re more excited for what’s to come. Since we are now MassChallenge alumni, we will never stop benefiting from their resources and support. It’s a community that extends far beyond the competition, and that’s why MassChallenge is such a powerful network.

How many schools are using Abroad101 now?

Currently we are partnered with over 200 universities and counting!

After the move, what’s next for Abroad101?

This year Abroad101 has several milestones that we’re about to surpass. We just launched a redesigned website, we’re moving into our new office space, and we will be increasing our sales team in the next few weeks.  We are also excited to expand into several new verticals, including volunteer abroad, intern abroad, and teach abroad, as those are all areas that could similarly utilize enhanced transparency through unbiased students reviews.

 

Linkage:

Find out more about Abroad101 here

Find out more about MassChallenge here

Nibletz is the voice of startups “everywhere else” here are more great interviews from “everywhere else”

 

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