Santa Monica is at the center of a tech revolution. Hundreds of startups are based in the city, part of the Westside of L.A. County that has been dubbed “Silicon Beach.”
Our Tech Tuesday feature will introduce you to some of the cutting-edge tech startups cropping up in our back yard.
This week, we chatted with Brian, founder and “chief executive buddy” of Buddytruk, a local startup trying to change the way people move their stuff.
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Santa Monica is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Since all you need is WiFi and some creativity to work in the tech world, developers and entrepreneurs alike have been able to leave Silicon Valley and work from wherever they choose, so why not choose a city that’s close to the beach, has some of the best restaurants in the country, and is home to some of the fastest growing startups in America?
[/pullquote]What does your company do?
Buddytruk is a mobile app that instantly connects you with a friend with a truck, whenever you need a helping hand.
How did you come up with the idea?
I crashed a Uhaul into my new roommate’s car when I was moving into an old apartment — a roommate I had NEVER MET! Certainly the most awkward first impression of my life, and all I needed was a buddy with a truck!
Why did your company locate to Santa Monica?
Santa Monica is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Since all you need is WiFi and some creativity to work in the tech world, developers and entrepreneurs alike have been able to leave Silicon Valley and work from wherever they choose, so why not choose a city that’s close to the beach, has some of the best restaurants in the country, and is home to some of the fastest growing startups in America?
What’s the biggest challenge your company is facing?
In a startup, your biggest challenge changes day-to-day; that’s why it’s so exciting! You’re always tackling bigger and more complex problems the farther along you go, which keeps you on your toes. It’s almost as if you’re playing against a really good chess player! Right now, the biggest challenge is streamlining our support processes, but tomorrow it could be something completely different.
What could the city of Santa Monica do to help your company thrive?
They’ve already helped immensely! The Chamber [of Commerce] is great, and they even gave us the “Start Up Award” this year at their annual State of the City meeting!
Where do you see your company in a year?
Our goal is to be in 5 cities by this time next year, helping more and more people move their stuff 🙂
