Founder: Mariya Kupriyenko
HQ: Auckland
Tell us about your business.
Tap is a new startup making it easy for SMEs to find and work with creative professionals through a fully serviced platform or face-to-face for projects of any size.
With 400+ vetted designers, animators, video makers and photographers signing up to the platform already, Tap gives companies the convenience and quality assurance of a physical agency, but without the heavy financial overheads. Making it a great agency alternative for small businesses.
Who and where are your target customers?
SMEs and startups in New Zealand, Australia and the UK.
Who, how and when did you first come up with the idea for your business?
The Tap concept was born at In Good Company co-working space in Wellington. The Bohemian layout and location of the space meant that it naturally attracted a lot of freelance designers, photographers and illustrators, gaining a rep of being the ‘creative space’. Small business owners would frequently email us asking to be connected to creators. We thought there must be a better way of connecting these two groups than email, and created Tap.
What are your three biggest unique selling points?
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Fast. Convenient. On-demand.
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Best on-line Quality Assurance and Client to Creator Match Making system.
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Ability to capture a big chunk of the Creative Professionals Market.
What are three things about your business that you are proud of?
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Awesome clients right from the start
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Scope, quantity and quality of creators signing up to the platform
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Our super team and mentors!
What is the biggest entrepreneur lesson you would like to share with other Kiwis thinking of starting their own business?
Make a rule to stay very honest with yourself when it comes to why you are making what you are making and who you are making it for.
Is your product to solve a problem or is it something you think would be fun to do? It’s fine if it’s the latter, but you need to know why you are doing what you are doing so you don’t get upset when challenges come, and recognise your wins.
I’ve met some amazing people who start businesses because they feel a deep desire to create something of their own. I think that’s great! Creativity in it’s essence is necessary and admirable. Starting businesses as a form of expression is valuable for society and the individuals in it. Just remember to be honest as to why you are in the game.
If you are passionate about a market segment – GO TALK TO THEM. Preferably face-to-face and before you start building your business.
This is my latest pearl of wisdom: whole lot of confidence over whole lot of ego.Ego can stop us from talking to our market, releasing great products and ideas, stopping and starting businesses and doing what confidence knows is the right thing to do.
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