Calgary Herald

Social media leader found his niche

- LLOYED LOBO LLOYED LOBO COVERS CALGARY’S TECH STARTUP COMMUNITY. HE IS A PARTNER AT BOAST CAPITAL AND THE VP OF COMMUNITY EVANGELISM AT STARTUP CALGARY. TWEET @ BOASTCAPIT­AL OR EMAIL LLOBO@BOASTCAPIT­AL.COM

The world of social networks has grown incredibly fast to almost two billion people in a very short period of time. However, these social networks often put users at the centre and build networks around them.

Crowdact is a subject-based social network that builds networks of people around shared interests and issues such as social causes, politics, sports, brands, books, movies, music, food & drink, people or anything else you like.

We just connected with founder Can Ardic before his big launch at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, to learn more.

How did you come up with the idea for your startup?

Crowdact emerged out of a personal need. How often do you find yourself in a situation where you feel very passionate about an issue and you simply want your voice heard? The existing online conversati­ons are too diffused. I decided to create crowdact because I needed a single place to discuss a topic, share informatio­n, express my opinions and follow the subject a little longer. I want crowdact to put online social conversati­ons to good work and make it count.

What has been the biggest challenge so far?

To build and grow a user base at a rate that will enable us to survive in a very competitiv­e environmen­t where the definition of intellectu­al property is fuzzy and second movers with bigger financial resources and know-how have a definite advantage.

Are there any key individual­s outside of your organizati­on that have been of great help to your startup?

I’m a geoscienti­st by background with little experience in programmin­g and the world of high-tech. Therefore logic says I should not be doing what I’m doing with crowdact; however, my heart and passion says otherwise. The biggest credit has to go to my close friends and family who have supported and encouraged me at times when I doubted myself.

Do you think it is more difficult to raise capital or find the right talent? Any suggestion­s to make it easier?

I’ve taken crowdact from just a concept to a working applicatio­n using just my personal money. I’m about to find out how easy or difficult it will be to raise capital. I’m more interested in raising the right capital, from an investor who understand­s the business I’m in, who has been there, done that, and will be able to guide me through the obstacles and help take crowdact to the next level as a business partner.

What made you choose to go down the path of entreprene­urship?

I have a record of resisting authority and that’s partly why I built crowdact, to give a voice to people. I always see how I could do things better and enjoy the creative and free thought process in solving problems. The time I put into crowdact allowed me to wander in the world of innovation and creativity reminding me why I’m drawn to innovation and entreprene­urship.

 ?? For the Calgary Herald ?? Crowdact founder Can Ardic, seated, gathers with the rest of his team.
For the Calgary Herald Crowdact founder Can Ardic, seated, gathers with the rest of his team.

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