SHARONEL Profile

“SHARONEL is an online two-sided marketplace connecting event pros to their future clients. We have a personalized algorithm built in the mobile app, this way both sides get the perfectly matching list for their needs.”

“Our mission is to change the way the event industry works — from stressful to fun!”

“Hungarian VC called Hiventures, and now we are raising funds for our third round.”

“15 people. We have tech gurus, social media pros, creative team. They are all amazing, with the same mission!”

“In the last four years, I lived for my passion as an event photographer, and one day I got an idea to upload my service to a platform where I can browse through events and apply. I did not find any platforms like that. I did my research with Matt and Oliver (co-founders) and decided to build it ourselves. 

We didn’t wait for long [and] started to search for an investor and work on the strategy. Hiventures liked our idea — they called us back right away. We are now extending the office to the USA. SHARONEL is available in the USA already!”

“This is actually quite simple. When I had my photography business, I combined my own name — ‘Sharon Elizabeth’ to ‘SHARONEL’ — so the business was called Sharonel Photography. As soon as we got to the time to choose a name, Matt and Oliver already decided we should go on with SHARONEL since it sounds elegant, unique, and it has my name in it.”

“Yes! My father always told me to be a leader with my own company. The idea was already planted in my mind since I was a kid. I have always been way too ambitious, so it was no question!”

“Launching a product in the USA from Budapest, Hungary, is a challenge, but we overcame the obstacles. The time difference is pretty tough, so we are relocating soon to the new Silicon Valley [and] Austin, Texas.”

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“Event market is our market, especially the industry pros like venues, photographers, decor designers, etc. (really all categories you might need at an event), and their clients like engaged couples, parents, young adults above 21.”

“What works best is contacting event vendors by phone and email. Social media is also a great way to get in front of them. Social media marketing is very important nowadays; that’s why we are working on creating our TikTok account as well!”

“Our first 100 customers came very early when we only had our MVP, which was very necessary because we wanted the first 50-100 users to help us improve.”

“We focus on our customers 100%, feedbacks are always welcome, and we like to know what their additional needs are in our app. We pay attention to analytics — it’s the most important part of the business. We can see which screen the users spend the most time on, and we can also see how much time they spend using the app. Right now, it is one hour and 34 minutes on average.”

“I always listen to the Y Combinator podcast.

Book: I think it’s a pretty well-known book called ‘Zero to One’ from Peter Thiel. I think it is also a bestseller.”

“I mostly listen to country music on Spotify during the day because it always gives me a lot of energy. During the evening and night, I listen to smooth jazz when I work. It gives me New York City vibes which I love so much!”

“Yes!

Jira — to oversee the duties, issues, and tasks in every team. 

Canva — I think I don’t even have to explain; it’s just simple and genius! 

Miro Board — a very great brainstorming tool! I’ve just got introduced to the app by my pitch coach, Ben! It’s awesome!”

“How it can make me more open-minded and strategic.”

“It’s a challenge since I am a mother. But I believe in balance. As a mother, founder, and CEO, time management is the key. It took some time to manage it, but family, mental health, and business can be managed if you find balance.”

“As soon as the idea/need came. I just knew that this was what I needed to focus on! Nothing else.”

“I worked at a financial company called Bausparkasse Schwabisch Hall (it’s a German-Austrian company). I had to do sales, call people, set appointments to meet me, and open a savings account at the company. It taught me teamwork. It also taught me how to not hesitate before calling or talking to someone. Like the Nike slogan: JUST DO IT! 

If I am hesitating, I will not be successful.”