Startedly is a web application built on C# and supported by technologies including SQL, JavaScript and HMTL to assist the formation of startups, particularly around software. It is geared towards the situation where a single person or a small group are lacking some particular talent to help them get off the ground. To this end we encourage our users to categorise themselves around their broad skillset and provide a brief list of specific skills or specialisations.
Startedly is built with a directory type structure, where users are broken down into pages of contact cards with details of skills and experience. This format along with its search function makes it easy to find, for example, a developer in the UK who has experience with Javascript and C#, or a designer in LA with skills in Adobe Illustrator. We felt that often people with similar skillsets would have an easier time finding each other, but a successful startup needs a range of expertise. This categorisation approach should help bridge the gap between disciplines.
Users can maintain a shortlist of anyone they would be interested in working with, and once they have made their decision, we facilitate contact through email.
Startedly was entered into the Lean Investments 2012 App Challenge, a global competition for mobile apps run by Lean Investments, a seed fund group for small startups. In the short time we had, we produced a site with much of the functionality we were aiming for and our app was selected as a 'Highly Commended' finalist. Going forward we plan to extend the UI, and add features such as social network integration before release.
