Barclays Black Founder Accelerator 2020 member
The Digital Purveyor Company
i-Purvey is a data-driven platform that provides affordable, transparent, and automated compensation claims initiation, enabling passengers get their pay-out in the event of service disruption.
We initiate compensation for fulfilment and processing relating to travel disruption, which get triggered when pre agreed event criteria is met for the rail and airline sectors.
Why did you join the Barclays Black Founder Accelerator?
We would like to use the opportunity to bridge gaps in our skills especially in areas which are not our core expertise. The program would also give us the opportunity to understand the challenges other black entrepreneurs face as well as exchange ideas on how to improve our product offering, risk management and investor access. This programme will also be an opportunity to potentially collaborate with start-ups in vertical markets that enable growth.
What would be your desired outcome from this programme?
Develop our go to market strategy, matching with investor networks and deeper knowledge on how to take our service to scale.
Which entrepreneur inspires you the most and why?
Chris Gardner – (In pursuit of Happiness) His approach on how to pick himself up after all disappointments and channel this energy into becoming successful as well as his philanthropic activities. His mantra of ‘the future is uncertain, but you have to keep going’ is inspiring enough for us to continue on this journey.
What has been your biggest win in your entrepreneurial journey?
Creating something from nothing. Taking the idea and creating a tangible service offering that has been validated through user research as a pain point worth solving.
And your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge we have faced as a startup at present is attracting funding and creating key partnerships to deliver our service to market.
Where did you go for business advice and how did it help you?
We have approached contacts in the Financial regulatory, Rail and Airline industries for guidance, and a deeper understanding of the space we are going into.
What drives you to make your business a success?
The Problem. 'A friction based travel disruption compensation processing' and our AI driven technology solution, which contributes to ease the burden caused by travel disruption. Our ambition is to drive a movement to zero customer touch points for travel disruption management.
What advice would you give other founders thinking about starting their own business?
Understanding your end to end product offering as this is the highest value of equity you can have in your business. Fail fast, learn and iterate.
Why did you want to start your business?
The opportunity to solve a real problem experienced by thusands millions of people every day, and a shared interest and goal to see the journey through to fruition with like minded colleagues.
What do you do to relax when not working?
We play Tennis and golf (not much now due to Covid) and enjoy spending time outdoors. Exercising, gardening and playing video game with the kids.
How has covid made you pivot your business?
Our MVP has had to move at a slower pace as the sectors we will be servicing (Rail and Airline) have been heavily impacted by the Covid pandemic. We are however optimistic that the Pandemic will pass, and the Sector will regain momentum which places our service in a great position as a key selling point and differentiator for Rail, Airlines and OTAs in a fiercely competitive market.