E875: Andrew Parker, Papa: "grandkids on demand" companionship, non-skilled help; $2m Alexis Ohanian
SIGN UP FOR TWIST EPISODES MAILING LIST: http://bit.ly/twistemail
E875: Founder & CEO Andrew Parker built Papa to solve loneliness across generations with "grandkids on demand" companionship & non-skilled assistance, shares progress since YC, expanding & pursuing partnership w/ Medicare, & securing $2.4m from Alexis Ohanian
Follow us on...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/twistartups
Jason's Twitter: http://twitter.com/jason
LAUNCH Twitter: http://twitter.com/launch
Instagram: http://instagram.com/twistartups
Jason's Instagam: http://instagram.com/jason
LAUNCH Instagram: http://instagram.com/jason
Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis/
Show notes:
0:52 - Jason introduces Andrew Parker and Papa. Andrew talks about Papa, the inspiration for it, how it differs from other home-care services, and the application process.
8:33 - Correlation between loneliness and healthcare, and why health plans want to pay for Papa as a part of Medicare.
10:23 - Jason thanks sponsor Vettery. Visit vettery.com/twist to download Vettery’s comprehensive Tech Salary report for free!
12:01 - Papa meeting Gary Tan (cofounder of Posterous and Posthaven) and Alexis Ohanian (cofounder of Reddit) through Y Combinator.
13:54 - What a pre-care space looks like with Papa and how they encourage experiences through the application.
16:20 - Andrew does a video demo of Papa and demonstrates the user experience through the app.
24:28 - Jason thanks sponsor Walker Corporate Law. Contact Scott Walker directly at (415) 979-9998 and tell him Uncle Jason sent you or check out walkercorporatelaw.com to learn more about their services!
27:20 - What Papa currently looks like and possible opportunities for Papa - expanding the target market, exposure to diversity, travel options.
35:44 - Cathartic effects of exercise, diet and conversation, and how Papa helps healthy people.
37:42 - The benefits of going through Y Combinator for Papa.
39:53 - Operating in Miami vs. San Francisco
42:18 - Jason thanks sponsor PayPal. Visit paypal.com/growth to sign up for free and set up a business account!
44:18 - Biggest mistakes when approaching VCs early on, and knowing the right stage to approach VCs.
46:38 - The issue with lack of engagement when trying to improve your company.
49:39 - Andrew discusses applying to Y Combinator, getting accepted after the second application, and best practices to get in.
52:08 - Roadmap for Papa moving forward - innovative ideas, and evolving the platform.