Launching a startup part-time with Francesco Teodori, founder of Popup
In a recent captivating podcast episode, we dive deep with Francesco Teodori, founder of Popup, a company reshaping the digital landscape of the retail industry. This episode is a goldmine for anyone intrigued by the unique use of technology to innovate an industry.
Francesco, with his unique blend of expertise, unpacks the journey of Popup, revealing the challenges, triumphs, and insights gained along the way.
“In a world where digital presence is important, Popup guides and helps businesses through the digital wilderness,” says Francesco, setting the stage for an episode brimming with practical wisdom and strategic foresight.
Who is Francesco Teodori?
Francesco Teodori, founder of Popup, is a visionary who identified a gap in the market and dared to fill it. With an impressive background in technology and business, Francesco co-founded Popup, a company that has become synonymous with digital innovation in the retail sector.
Popup is a solution provider that empowers bars and restaurants to embrace the digital era with ease and efficiency. Under Francesco’s leadership, Popup has been growing in the industry, simplifying the digitization process for numerous businesses and setting new standards in customer engagement and experience.
Follow Francesco on LinkedIn and Twitter to learn more about his entrepreneurial journey.
Summary of the Podcast
Popup’s Role in Digitizing Retail for Bars and Restaurants
Timestamp: [00:00 – 01:28]
Francesco Teodori, founder of Popup, discusses the crucial role of their startup in the Ora and retail industry. Popup offers an easy, plug-and-play digital solution for bars and restaurants to manage their digital footprint. This includes updating digital menus, running promotions, and communicating with customers efficiently. The goal is to help these businesses embrace digitalization in a user-friendly way, saving them time and resources.
Evolution and Pivoting of Popup’s Focus
Timestamp: [02:11 – 03:38]
Teodori reflects on Popup’s journey, highlighting its shift from initially focusing on end-customer experiences in 2020 to serving venue owners more directly. He mentions the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced them to pivot and refine their market approach. This led to a more effective business model and a better understanding of their target market.
Funding and Bootstrapping Journey of Popup
Timestamp: [04:22 – 06:41]
Francesco discusses the funding aspect of Popup. Starting with a bootstrapped approach, they raised around 100,000 euros, including contributions from family, friends, and government grants. He shares insights into the early stages of funding and the importance of personal investment and perseverance in the startup journey.
Balancing Startup Work with a Day Job
Timestamp: [08:04 – 09:20]
Addressing the challenges of managing a startup part-time, Teodori talks about the mental resilience required to balance day jobs and entrepreneurial pursuits. He shares personal experiences of highs and lows in the startup journey, emphasizing the importance of persisting through difficult times.
Recent Milestones and Future Plans
Timestamp: [09:20 – 10:04]
Francesco shares Popup’s recent successes, including new funding, patent acquisition, and an upcoming partnership with a prominent Italian influencer. These developments signify major progress and potential growth for the startup.
Customer Acquisition Strategies in a Challenging Industry
Timestamp: [11:17 – 12:57]
Teodori discusses the complexities of acquiring customers in the restaurant industry. Initially relying on direct outreach, Popup shifted to more scalable strategies like web marketing and user-generated content. They also leverage middlemen like beverage distributors and marketing agencies for better market penetration.
Leveraging User-Generated Content for Marketing
Timestamp: [13:36 – 17:11]
Francesco explains how Popup uses user-generated content (UGC) for effective marketing. They focus on showcasing end products in real-life settings, which helps potential clients visualize the benefits in their own venues. This strategy has proven more successful than campaigns focusing on technical functionalities.
Key Learnings and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Timestamp: [20:14 – 23:29]
Teodori reflects on key lessons learned throughout his journey. He advises on the importance of launching MVPs quickly, continuous testing and adaptation of marketing strategies, and the significance of understanding and managing a startup’s cap table effectively.
Conclusion
This podcast episode with Francesco Teodori is a masterclass in navigating the startup ecosystem. From the inception of Popup to its strategic pivots and fundraising rounds, Francesco’s insights could prove helpful for anyone.
His journey underscores the importance of adaptability and customer-centric innovation in today’s fast-paced digital world. For a deeper dive into the inspiring world of Popup and the brilliant mind of Francesco Teodori, tune into the full episode.
