This CEO Turned A Personal Need Into A Networking App With A Million Users
By 2015, Ludovic Huraux had turned his first business into one of the leading dating websites in France — and was turning a nice annual profit. But he wasn't fulfilled. It had been almost a decade since Ludovic had started the company, and he was exhausted and ready to try something new. His dream was to start a business that would take off in the United States. However, a decade of entrepreneurship had taught Ludovic his business would only succeed with the right relationships to drive it forward. He needed to build a new network with strong ties in the U.S.
Ludovic wished for an easier way to make meaningful connections. And that's where the idea for Shapr was born: an app that makes networking simple.
Realization #1: You Need A Network To Succeed
Ludovic started to reflect on how his business had grown. And it all came down to relationships.
"The success of my first business was the direct result of the people in my network. It was through my network that I had met my investors, learned about television advertising and found co-founders for the business. I wanted a powerful network to be available to everyone."
The result of some extensive brainstorming was Shapr, given its name because of the belief you are shaped by everyone you meet.
Realization #2: Networking Should Be Easy
When Ludovic started asking around, the biggest complaint he heard from professionals and other entrepreneurs was how time intensive networking could be. People complained about hours spent at events and panels instead of time home with their families.
"People knew they needed to network, but they didn't like the options of how to do it. They needed an easier way to connect that could become part of everyday habit without interrupting their lives."
Keeping with simplicity, Shapr takes less than two minutes a day and can easily become part of your morning routine. The app uses uses your self-selected #interests, industry, and location to curate suggestions of who to meet with a super manageable daily batch of 15 or so suggestions. Just swipe right, and you will get notified when there is a match.
Realization #3: Networking Should Be Free
Ludovic had not grown up in a wealthy or well-connected family, but had been able to build relationships with some very influential people. He felt that anyone with a positive attitude should be welcomed on Shapr, with no membership fee to join.
"Good things happen when you are open-minded, curious and helpful. I wanted to build a community of people who embraced serendipity and wanted to help one another."
As a result, Shapr is completely free. You can choose to upgrade your account to Shapr Plus, which gives you a few added features, but there is no fee to get started and make meaningful connections through the app.
Fast-Forward 3 Years
Thanks to it's simple design and the impact that users immediately feel after their first coffee, Shapr has grown to over one million users. Up to 5,000 people install the app each day, and it's been celebrated by professionals all over the globe who have found opportunities and friendships through the service.
Moral of the story: Imagine the product you most need. It's likely that others will want the same thing if you build it.
Want to test out the app for yourself? Download Shapr for iOS or Android here.
Shapr is a mobile networking app that brings you a daily dose of inspiring people to meet. Meet Inspiring People, Shape Your Life.
