Start-ups diversify on run

Being nimble best way to pass COVID challenges

GOLD COAST start-ups are tackling the COVID-19 challenge head-on by pivoting into new areas and changing the way business works.

Damien King founded fitness marketplace PUML in 2017 as an app to connect personal trainers with clients and focus on the gym market.

However, the COVID-19 shutdown of gyms meant he had to rethink his business.

“We have pivoted a bit and created a new app where trainthe ers can livestream sessions and it also facilitates live challenges for users,” Mr King said.

“We’re doing one where people are challenged to walk 300,000 steps around the house in the month of May.”

PUML members are rewarded with PUML coins for participation and completing goals. The coins can be redeemed for health and wellbeing products in the app store.

The start-up has already attracted the interest of blockchain giant Block.one, which has made a small investment in the business.

Mr King is hoping the app can attract a larger investment to take the model worldwide.

“We have only been live for a few weeks but it is going really well,” he said.

“Block.one is the largest VC (venture capitalist) in the crypto world so it is very exciting.”

Another start-up, The Pitch

Portal, has found fertile ground. It launched an online network in which early stage start-ups and entrepreneurs can connect with skilled professional, creative and technical service providers.

The idea is the businesses can “pitch” their ideas or opportunities to the service providers who decide if they want to contribute to the endeavour.

Importantly, no money changes hands.

Co-founder Amanda Fay said many early stage start-ups lacked cash and resources and could not tap into grant funding. She said The Pitch Portal offered alternative payment methods.

“We are really trying to nurture these business opportunities at an early stage,” she said.

“So, for example, someone might say (to the start-up) ‘I’ll build your website and manage your online program but for next three years I want 20 per cent of the profit you make from your online sales’.”

The Pitch Portal now has 80 businesses and 106 service providers listed.

One of those businesses is Gold Coast-based Pulse, founded by Sarah Berry and Hadyn Lewis. The idea is for an interactive chronicle of an individual’s global travel that also doubles as a live feed. The pair are seeking an experienced coder to further develop the app in exchange for part payment and equity.