Kyle
Crowdfunding is everywhere, there’s crowdfunding for your startup, crowdfunding for your movie, crowdfunding for the things you want and even crowdfunding for college money. Now, thanks to a San Diego startup that’s accelerating at Velocity in Indiana, there is crowdfunding for your fraternity or sorority.
Back in the olden days, before computers, internet, and crowdfunding, fraternities and sororities that were working on a project would have fundraisers, cash boxes, collection jars, and a treasurer to collect all the money. Then you had to trust that the treasurer didn’t spend the fraternity’s money on his own stash of brew and other college accoutrements.
GreekPull is working on a crowdfunding platform for fraternities and sororities that eliminates all these problems, makes it super easy for members to raise money for projects, and then securely collects the money so it can’t be squandered on the frivolous. Now when a sorority or a fraternity wants to hold a big clean-up project, restore a building, or buy toys for local needy kids the money is there. They can even use the funds for special events like spring formals and dances.
We got a chance to talk with AJ Agrawal about GreekPull and their team’s experience at Velocity. They’ll be graduating at the end of the month and think making the move from San Diego to Jeffersonville, Indiana was one of the best choices they’ve ever made. Check out the interview below.
What is the name of your startup?
GreekPull
What accelerator are you in?
Velocity Accelerator
When is demo day/investor day/graduation?
August 29th, 2013
Where is your startup originally from?
San Diego, CA
Tell us about your current team?
Eghosa Aihie- The Hustler: In charge of sales and marketing
AJ Agrawal- The Visionary: In charge of product development and investor relations
What does your startup do?
We’re a crowdfunding platform for Fraternities and Sororities
What are your goals for the accelerator program?
To complete our next seed round of $350,000
What’s one thing you’ve learned in the accelerator?
Never edit your product without talking to customers first, you’ll save a lot of time and money.
What’s the hardest piece of advice you’ve had to stomach so far?
Always being ready to pivot. It feels like your starting completely over when you pivot and sometimes it’s hard to stomach that it’s all part of the learning process.
What is your goal for the day after demo day?
To further conversation with potential investors and customers.
Why did you choose this accelerator?
Over half the National Fraternities and Sororities are located in Indianapolis, so we are in an ideal location to get customer feedback.
If you relocated for the accelerator are you staying in your new city?
Yes, however, we will most likely move a little closer to Indianapolis.
What’s one thing you learned about an accelerator that you didn’t know when you applied?
We’ve been amazed how nice the people in Jeffersonville have been to us. Coming from San Diego, we were unsure what to expect heading into Southern Indiana. Overall, the connections we have made has been priceless, and we look forward to staying in touch with all the people we have met.
Where can people find out more?
