BOOP > Business Cards

I had the chance to connect with Horacio Rodriguez Rilo , Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Boop , Founder Institute Mentor, and ATX DAO Member.

Horacio Rodriguez Rilo is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Boop , a company based in Austin, Texas, that specializes in SMS Business Cards. Boop provides innovative tools for connecting with people at conferences and events using interactive SMS systems. With a background in business development and operations, Horacio has a deep understanding of the startup world and is passionate about creating powerful tools for making connections. Boop’s technology enhances engagement at events, works without requiring strong internet, and makes follow-up easy.

Q: Tell me about your business and what separates you from your competition.

A: Boop transforms networking with our unique SMS-based platform. Unlike traditional digital business cards, Boop operates directly within message threads, instantly capturing every interaction without the need for the recipient to download an app. This means no more lost cards or complicated setups. Our patent-pending technology is designed to work seamlessly, even in crowded events with unreliable internet, offering instant networking. By making connections as simple as sending a text, Boop addresses common industry problems and revolutionizes how people connect and maintain relationships. Our innovative approach ensures effortless and effective networking, setting us apart from the competition.

Q: What inspired you to found Boop, and how does your personal vision for the company shape your leadership style?

A: I was inspired to create Boop after frequently encountering barriers like unreliable internet connections, complex user interfaces, and difficulty connecting with people at conferences and events. These issues highlighted the need for a solution that not only overcomes technical hurdles but also fades into the background, allowing people to forge authentic and genuine connections. My vision for Boop is to provide a seamless, intuitive platform that enhances networking without getting in the way. This approach shapes my leadership style, where I prioritize a user-centric, empathetic framework that drives us to innovate in ways that truly enhance user interactions and satisfaction. We aim to ensure that our technology supports meaningful professional relationships rather than overshadowing them.

Q: How do you build culture, relationships, and teams inside and outside of your organization?

We support our growth by providing ongoing learning opportunities and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.

A: Internally, we cultivate a culture of transparency, trust, and respect, promoting open communication and collaboration. We support our growth by providing ongoing learning opportunities and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Externally, we build relationships through partnerships and active industry participation. We engage with the broader tech community by contributing to discussions and sharing insights, aiming to create mutually beneficial connections and maintain our responsiveness to market and user needs.

Q: In a competitive landscape, how did you differentiate Boop from existing solutions or businesses, and what innovative approaches did you take to stand out?

A: Boop stands out in the networking technology market by addressing key pain points of traditional networking solutions: reliance on stable internet, complex user interfaces, and the ease of losing digital contacts. Initially, we developed the MVP using only QR codes and plastic NFC cards to test the basic concept of simplified networking. This early version evolved into our patent-pending SMS-based technology, which works within standard messaging apps, allowing users to connect instantly, even in environments with poor internet connectivity.

To validate the market need before launching, we engaged directly with potential users at various industry events, collected feedback, and conducted pilot programs. These efforts confirmed a strong demand for a simpler, more reliable networking solution, guiding our product development to focus on ease of use and reliability.

Q: Who or what has influenced your leadership ethos?

A: My leadership ethos is influenced by the commitment to democratize access to powerful technology, especially for communities with limited networks. This conviction drives me to solve problems empathetically, ensuring that our innovations empower these communities to build and expand their networks more easily. By focusing on breaking down barriers in professional networking, I aim to provide tools that are impactful, user-friendly, and inclusive. This approach not only informs our product strategies but also cultivates a culture within us that values inclusivity, empathy, and transformative solutions.

Q: How do you define "impact" within the context of Boop, and what specific outcomes or changes do you aim to achieve through your work?

Our goal is to provide an accessible platform that enables anyone to create meaningful professional relationships, regardless of their starting point.

A: At Boop, we define “impact” as the ability to fundamentally improve how individuals connect and build networks, especially for those who may not have extensive existing networks. Our goal is to provide an accessible platform that enables anyone to create meaningful professional relationships, regardless of their starting point. Specifically, we aim to reduce barriers to networking through our SMS technology, which facilitates easier, more reliable connections. By simplifying the process of establishing new contacts, we empower individuals to expand their professional opportunities and access a broader range of industry insights and collaborations. This approach not only enhances individual career paths but also strengthens the broader professional community by fostering inclusivity and diversity.

Q: How do you encourage innovation and adaptability within your team to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving technology landscape?

A: To promote innovation and adaptability, my co-founder and I constantly stay on top of technology by exploring new ideas and emerging technologies through continuous learning. This proactive approach ensures we remain agile and up-to-date with the latest industry trends, keeping us at the forefront of technology.

Q: What are you expecting out of 2024 and how will that impact your business?

A: In 2024, we expect to catch the tailwinds of rapid technology progression, driving significant growth and innovation for Boop. With advancements in networking technology and increased adoption of digital tools at events, we anticipate greater demand for our SMS/MMS business cards and forms. This will enable us to enhance our product offerings, improve user experience, and expand our market reach. Additionally, staying ahead of technological trends will allow us to introduce new features that further streamline engagement and data capture processes, ultimately strengthening our goal to become the industry standard for event-based networking and interaction management.

Q: Can you share some of the most significant challenges you faced when starting Boop, and what were the most valuable lessons you learned from overcoming them?

A: One significant challenge we faced when launching Boop was skepticism about our namedrop feature, with many predicting it would eliminate the need for Boop. Overcoming this taught us the importance of validating and clearly communicating our product’s unique value. We learned to emphasize how our features complement traditional networking methods rather than replacing them.

Q: How do you prioritize the needs and preferences of your target customers when developing products or services at Boop, and how do you gather feedback to continually improve?

A: To prioritize user needs, we engage with users through surveys, feedback sessions, and pilot testing at events. This ongoing dialogue helps us understand their preferences and pain points, ensuring that our product development is user-driven. We continually adapt and refine Boop based on feedback, enhancing user satisfaction and strengthening our product’s relevance and effectiveness in the market.

Q: What do you work for and what do you do for fun??

A: Professionally, I’m driven to simplify professional networking through Boop, aiming to make connections more accessible and effective.

I love running and playing Spikeball, mostly at Zilker Park and Auditorium Shores. It's my way of recharging while staying active. Other than that, I enjoy exploring new technologies, traveling, and pursuing photography to capture diverse cultures and landscapes.

Q: Based on your experience, what advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs just starting their own business journey?

Stay true to your vision and mission, as your passion and dedication will drive your success.

A: Based on my experience, here are some key pieces of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs just starting their business journey: Focus on solving a real problem and validate your idea early through market research and pilot testing. Be agile and adaptable, ready to pivot when necessary. Build a strong network of mentors and peers, and stay customer-centric by prioritizing their needs and feedback. Keep costs low by finding efficient, cost-effective solutions. Embrace continuous learning, stay persistent and resilient, and leverage technology to streamline operations and stay competitive. Listen to experts, but remember that it often takes an outsider to make significant changes. Finally, stay true to your vision and mission, as your passion and dedication will drive your success.

Thank you for contributing to this series, Horacio.

Be part of our mission to revolutionize how we connect at conferences and events! With Boop’s SMS Business Cards and forms, you’ll make connecting with others effortless and efficient. Imagine a smoother, more organized networking experience with easy follow-ups. Ready to transform the way you network? Download our app at boop.me and start your journey today!

And thank you, @zilkermedia , for making this newsletter possible!?

Subscribe here to receive more Leadership Ethos series interviews sent straight to your inbox!