In today's interconnected world, where people are coming up with innovative solutions every day, it's rare to find a platform that genuinely fills a gap, and even rarer to find one tailored to the unique dynamics of university sports clubs.
Enter Mark Bushby, the driving force behind Armago - a groundbreaking platform revolutionizing the way university sports clubs operate. Having a presence in 30 universities and a thriving community comprising 15,000 students, Armago stands as a testament to Mark's vision, tenacity, and deep understanding of the challenges and joys of university sports. In this intimate conversation, we delve into Mark's journey, the inception of Armago, and the lessons he's learned along the way.
What was the driving force behind establishing Armago specifically for university clubs? And was there a personal experience or gap you noticed during your own time in university?
"The main thing was when I conducted extensive research with university sports participants, a recurring issue was the organization of the sports clubs. Many mentioned the declining use of Facebook at universities, leading to engagement struggles. Vital information would get lost in WhatsApp chats or emails wouldn't reach their intended recipients.
I realized there had to be a more efficient method, prompting me to develop a solution tailored for university sports clubs. Although I aspire to expand beyond the university niche eventually, addressing this specific challenge felt right for now."
Building a platform of this nature comes with its unique set of challenges. What were some of the most significant obstacles you faced in the initial stages, and how did you overcome them?
"Three main challenges stand out:
Financial challenge: Securing investment for technology development was tough, especially when you're just starting without a proven product or track record. I devoted countless hours to grant applications and investor outreach.
Product Development: Armago went through three iterations. The first involved a technical co-founder, and the second and third were with different agencies. My challenges largely centred around my technical understanding, developing cost-effectively and swiftly, and ensuring scalability.
User Engagement: Building an app that not only attracts but retains users is no small feat. Achieving user engagement requires persistence and determination."
Successfully raising capital is a significant milestone for any startup. Can you shed some light on your fundraising journey? What advice would you give to fellow founders entering this phase?
"Raising capital is time-consuming and challenging. Begin by assembling a competent team and creating a product that investors can support. Early-stage advisors can be invaluable, and in some instances, they might even become investors.
Generate hype and showcase demand, perhaps through social media or email campaigns. Understand your market, demonstrate its potential, and articulate why the current moment is ripe for investment."
With multiple sports clubs and diverse needs, how do you ensure that Armago caters to everyone effectively? How crucial has feedback from the university clubs been in shaping the platform's features?
"From the onset, I designed Armago to cater to a broad spectrum of sports clubs, from traditional sports to martial arts. As more clubs joined, the need for tailored features decreased. Feedback has been instrumental in ensuring we meet the needs of the vast majority.
In the beginning, I prioritized Bristol Tennis Club, which helped engage their entire club with specific attendance-tracking features. While sometimes it's essential to focus on a niche, our broader strategy is informed by feedback from a diverse array of clubs."
As your platform has grown, what strategies have you employed to scale effectively while ensuring the core values and user experience remain intact?
"Effective scaling stemmed from my university learnings in Inovation. We often revisited our original goals, ensuring we aligned with user needs. We redesigned the platform for multi-university scaling, maintaining app performance, and ensuring brand partnerships resonated with our values."
With the current success of your platform, what are your future aspirations for it? Are there any exciting features or partnerships in the pipeline that users can look forward to?
"Our immediate goal is to onboard as many student sports clubs as possible. We're exploring brand partnerships, aiming to direct funds back into grassroots sports, and exploring how digital sponsorships will benefit the clubs. We're passionate about supporting the clubs we partner with, intending to stay engaged and proactive, not just a background tool."
Based on your journey, what would be your top piece of advice for young entrepreneurs looking to start their venture, especially in university?
"First, take the plunge and start; it doesn't need to be perfect. Persistence is key. Every successful young entrepreneur I know has dedicated years to their venture. Adjust your timelines, be realistic, and structure your goals accordingly. While funding is crucial, the early stages offer many opportunities to validate demand without significant investment. Build a network and seek developmental programs."
How do you think the journey of Armago has shaped you personally and professionally?
"It's been transformative. Engaging with a myriad of challenges and interacting with diverse professionals made me mature faster than those around me at the University. The learning curve has been steep, covering every facet of business. On a personal level, I've gained insights into my motivations, leadership qualities, and work-life balance."
If you had to recommend a book to founders, what would it be and why was it so significant to you?
"I'd recommend "Losing My Virginity" by Richard Branson. It introduced me to entrepreneurship, highlighting alternative career paths. Branson's playful, fun approach to business resonates with me, and I incorporate those lessons into my journey as a startup founder."
Interested in Armago or Mark Bushby? Find their links here: Instagram, LinkedIn (Armago), LinkedIn (Mark Bushby)
We look forward to building with you,
The foundercentre team
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