4 ms·

Does anybody know where the founders come from? if they were known from before? Asking because it sounds like Google was after the team more than anything… 5 m

Does anybody know where the founders come from? if they were known from before? Asking because it sounds like Google was after the team more than anything… 5 months doesn't leave much time for them to prove what they're capable of, so I'm curious.

gsharma 15y ago
I believe one of the founders worked @ Google in the past.
gunthere 15y ago
This was not just a team play. I saw Talkbin signs in Coupa Cafe in Palo Alto - immediately understood the concept and potential. I sent a text to the owner and received a response within 10 minutes. Talkbin if I understood it correctly is enabling us all to "talk with" the store managers or workers via text and mobile app. It's actually a very powerful communication vehicle and right up Google's ally.
- cyen 15y ago
  Mobile's going to be an increasingly interesting strategy with local businesses. When these owners and workers are running their business, they're not running into the back room to check computers or laptops or websites - but they do have their phones and can often step aside to respond to a quick SMS. I imagine Talkbin has caught on to this - lots of other startups don't seem to - and this really feels like a product where everyone benefits in the end.
- prpon 15y ago
  It's a great idea. A complaining customer can probably get hold of a manager quicker this way than by causing ruckus and looking like an idiot. Lots of interesting possibilities like integrating testimonials to a tv screen or social media sites.
- gvnonor 15y ago
  Small nitpick..I think you meant alley instead of ally.
mynameisraj 15y ago
Education wise, they are composed of a Harvard grad, a Yale grad, and a Stanford student. Background wise, they are composed of two with backgrounds in retail at SHLD, and one from GOOG. They are a great team, but their product is also great, so I think that it's more than just for talent.
- natrius 15y ago
  SHLD == Sears. The ticker symbol is ambiguous to the untrained eye, and saved you maybe one keystroke.
JofArnold 15y ago
See answer below: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2483431 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2483431 You can be fairly sure it's not a pure team play.
anto210 15y ago
Michael Ma was Yale 09 - Great guy! Congrats Mike!

gsharma 15y ago

I believe one of the founders worked @ Google in the past.

gunthere 15y ago

This was not just a team play. I saw Talkbin signs in Coupa Cafe in Palo Alto - immediately understood the concept and potential. I sent a text to the owner and received a response within 10 minutes. Talkbin if I understood it correctly is enabling us all to "talk with" the store managers or workers via text and mobile app. It's actually a very powerful communication vehicle and right up Google's ally.

cyen 15y ago
Mobile's going to be an increasingly interesting strategy with local businesses. When these owners and workers are running their business, they're not running into the back room to check computers or laptops or websites - but they do have their phones and can often step aside to respond to a quick SMS. I imagine Talkbin has caught on to this - lots of other startups don't seem to - and this really feels like a product where everyone benefits in the end.
prpon 15y ago
It's a great idea. A complaining customer can probably get hold of a manager quicker this way than by causing ruckus and looking like an idiot. Lots of interesting possibilities like integrating testimonials to a tv screen or social media sites.
gvnonor 15y ago
Small nitpick..I think you meant alley instead of ally.

mynameisraj 15y ago

Education wise, they are composed of a Harvard grad, a Yale grad, and a Stanford student. Background wise, they are composed of two with backgrounds in retail at SHLD, and one from GOOG. They are a great team, but their product is also great, so I think that it's more than just for talent.

natrius 15y ago
SHLD == Sears. The ticker symbol is ambiguous to the untrained eye, and saved you maybe one keystroke.

JofArnold 15y ago

See answer below: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2483431 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2483431 You can be fairly sure it's not a pure team play.

anto210 15y ago

Michael Ma was Yale 09 - Great guy! Congrats Mike!