Loopie

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EPISODE 4​

JOHN LEE | LOOPIE

Receive your first Wash and Fold service for free by entering code TRYLOOPIE at checkout on the Loopie Laundry App (available only in the Greater Seattle Area or Bellevue).

Check out Loopie at loopie.io.

Follow John (@johnvlee) on Instagram // LinkedIn.

Check out John’s recommendations for books, podcasts and social inspiration HERE.

Follow The Founder (@founderpodcast) on Twitter // Instagram // LinkedIn // Newsletter

Don’t have time for the full episode? Read our email recap HERE.

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John Lee is the Founder of Loopie.

For John, his obsession has always been to create a dual-benefit venture. He loves the concept of a company that is able to benefit multiple parties, simultaneously. In 2018, he dreamed up the concept for Loopie, a mobile app for laundry that connects people who don’t have the time or desire to do their own with other people who can wash, dry and fold at home for a little extra cash.

John dubs Loopie the "Uber for laundry" in the sense that Loopie is the asset light marketplace that connects customers and washers, but doesn't have to own a single laundromat, washing machine or dryer. 

Today Loopie has pretty impressive traction in Seattle and is planning to launch to new markets soon.

This was a really interesting interview that sheds light on the path of a first time founder and the climb to product market fit and eventual scale.

Tune in to hear John's inspiring story and leave a review!

EPISODE TOPICS: 

  • (1:48) What does Loopie look like today (mission, vision, products, size)? 

  • (2:29) What is your background and what were you working on before starting Loopie? 

  • (7:08) Where did the idea for Loopie come from? 

  • (11:34) What came first - idea socialization or early prototype development? 

  • (13:28) What was the early feedback on the initial concept for Loopie? 

  • (16:04) How long did it take to go from idea to workable prototype? 

  • (19:03) What did the team look like early on? 

  • (21:45) What are the unit economics on the business? 

  • (23:31) How does the laundry drop-off process work? 

  • (25:20) How did you acquire your early customers? 

  • (26:51) How do you think about growth? 

  • (29:45) What's your bigger constraint, finding customers or washers? 

  • (33:51) How do you think about competition? 

  • (45:25) How do you think about funding? 

  • (53:05) What does your team look like today and what do you look for when you hire? 

  • (57:02) How are you thinking about scaling the business? 

  • (1:04:14) How do you think coronavirus will impact the startup landscape? 

  • (1:08:41) Who was your most underrated hire? 

  • (1:10:09) Did you have an advisory board? 

  • (1:12:36) What books or resources would you recommend? 

  • (1:14:37) What's one thing that you know now that you wish you knew when starting out? 

  • (1:16:47) What do you think it takes to be a good founder? 

  • (1:21:18) What is your morning routine? 

  • (1:24:17) John's startup manifesto 

  • (1:27:25) John's founder nomination 

  • (1:29:35) Where should we look to contact you? 

Kallaway