Founded: March 2012
CrowdCare is a well funded start-up founded by repeat entrepreneurs that is tackling a huge problem, making Android a great experience for hundreds of millions of customers world-wide.
CrowdCare is creating a platform that will quickly & easily solve any problems you have with your Android mobile devices. We’re building next generation customer service tools that can be used by anyone deploying services & products to devices running the Android OS. Our initial focus is Smartphones and Tablets with SmartTV launching soon. Our CrowdCare platform includes a custom Android client, customer care console and proprietary automation that will provide quick and easy resolution to problems on Android powered devices.
If your customers are using your products & services on Android devices, CrowdCare can help you increase customer satisfaction and reduce your support costs. Your customers deserve better customer care, CrowdCare is the answer.
Q&A with Ian Collins, Co-Founder & CEO
Where did the inspiration for your company come from and how did you get started?
In 2002 Jeff and I founded Mobile Diagnostix, the world’s first mobile data customer care solution, which we sold to Bitfone/HP in 2004. In 2011, after calling a carrier for help with my smartphone and spending a frustrating hour on the phone manually troubleshooting, I realized that customer care technology hadn’t evolved in 10 years, but mobile OS’s like Android had become far more complex to diagnose and fix. I knew there had to be a better way to deliver smartphone technical support to the billion smartphone owners out there, so I started CrowdCare to harness the power of mobile mavens around the globe to simplify and automate mobile device customer care.
What is the most important advice you’d give a first time entrepreneur?
Know when to ask for advice & when to ignore it.
Why/how did you become an entrepreneur?
When working for someone else, you generally have to keep your ideas to yourself. You’re paid for a certain function, and that rarely includes making huge improvements in anything, even if you’re sure you can do it. Your boss will quickly get tired of hearing you talk about making big changes. I couldn’t stand the frustration. As an entrepreneur, the only limit to my ideas is in my ability to build a team to turn them into action.
What do you look for from an investor besides money?
#1 and the easiest thing to get is connections (customers, partners & more money), #2 and less likely is company strategy/direction, #3 and what you’ll almost never get is product support. You’ll hear promises for all 3, but you’ll probably just get #1. With MantellaVP, we get all three.
What or who inspires and motivates you?
The people who have cashed out a ridiculous amount of money but still start another company, that’s something to admire.
Favourite lunch in King West?
Have to go with the all day breakfast at the diner at the Thompson Hotel (the Counter).
Favourite Pub/Bar in King West?
Rooftop at Gusto