Two rather outlandish ideas that seem to be clicking
Yes, startups are meant to question the status quo, and go out there, and do things people haven’t thought of. We also talked about how entrepreneurs shouldn’t worry about competition if they are in a crowded space but believe in their idea. But the internet has brought about an additional angle of craziness to the whole concept of starting up. We recently saw how an idea like Bang With Friends created a huge buzz and there have been many more like them over the years.
Closer home, we’re seeing our own set of ideas which make one sit straight in their chair, and sometimes question even their existence. Without being judgmental, some of these ideas seem to be clicking. For instance, SharingDard.com is a website for people to come and talk about their innermost feelings and thoughts. SD is supposed be your candid friend and a place where a person can come to sooth his or her emotional disturbance.
The first reaction for such a platform for many would be, “Oh! Come on!” but there seems to be a large section of the population that is ready to vent out on an internet forum. SharingDard is a therapist in the garb of a place to let out your frustrations. The venture is founded by IIM-Lukhnow alumni (Sumant Gajbhiye, Ritika Sharma, Gaurav Rajan and Lima James) and has on-boarded a panel of therapists who can guide the people ‘Sharing their Dard’. The company has been covered by many blogs and Alexa gives them an India rank of 19,994 which indicates a fair amount of traffic. You’re bound to say, “Really?!” when you have a look at the site but with design improvements and a better positioning, SharingDard might be able to pivot to have a better model for a venture.
Another venture in question is Shradhanjali.com, a site that helps you make your departed family member’s memory live forever. Another, “Really?!” Shradhanjali is a memorial portal and lets the use upload pictures, videos, life history, family tree –and create a legacy for generations to come. Apart from having an Alexa of 57k in India (yes, Alexa may not be the final word, but it is a good relative measure), Shradhanjali also received a letter of appreciation from Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Shrdhanjali has been co-founded by Vivek Vyas and Vimal Popat and works on a simple tied agency model wherein anyone can join as an agency. They get sales commissions on the sale of paid subscription. The company doesn’t have any grand vision but wants to continue the work they’ve been doing and get an online presence for the ancestors of families.
Both these ideas are driven by a hint of emotional disturbance, and their traction would be an indication of the number of people willing to open themselves completely on the net. The crazy net.
Do share similar ideas you have come across.
