Epicurate’s Post

Have you seen our latest newsletter edition yet? Our latest articles include tips on standing out as a #Hospitality Startup, the importance of Professional Bartenders, and an analysis of Hotel Development trends. Read the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/gYyWKGtg #hospitalityindustry #foodandbeverageindustry #hoteldevelopment #newsletteralert

Is it just me or selling to public companies is a looooooonnggg process ? 🤷🏼♂️😅 How is it for you ? Jason M. Lemkin any tips on this? Other than patience? 😜 #startup #buildinpublic #hotels #restaurants

RAMEN PROFITABLE One of the world's most popular dishes, Ramen Noodles, is also a silicon valley metaphor signifying better odds for a startup's success. Airbnb’s meteoric rise from renting out air mattresses to a $72B mCap listed company in just 17 years is a complete shocker for the hospitality industry worldwide and a classic case study of a set of silicon valley startups who begun by aiming to be #RamenProfitable ~ where a startup’s revenue covers the founders' basic living expenses. Despite several investor rejections and multiple set-backs, Brian Chesky, Joe G. & Nathan Blecharczyk officially launched AirBnB from their SF loft in Jan 2008, aiming to be "Ramen Profitable" with $4000 a month in revenue: $3500 for rent, $500 for Ramen Noodles. By early 2009, they sneaked into Y Combinator (W09) and secured a $600K seed funding from Sequoia Capital (Greg McAdoo) and YC at a $20m valuation. Over the next decade Airbnb disrupted the hotel industry worldwide raising $6B in aggregate private funding that culminated in its Nasdaq IPO in 2020 for a whopping $47B; a bump-up of 235,000% (or 2350x) over its seed round valuation of $20m, in just 11 years. "#patientcapital X #powerofcompounding" ~ An investment of $1K during YC’s seed round of Airbnb would be worth nearly $3.6M at current prices clocking a valuation of $72B! Moreover, bulk of the upside came before IPO ~ catch them #young ! The cornerstone to Airbnb’s success was to become #RamenProfitable right at the start. It enabled them to face repeated rejections and come up with inventive ideas that disrupted the incumbents to the core. Features : ✅ Steadfast focus on maintaining break-even ✅ Founders handle most tasks, minimizing hiring and firing ✅ Overhead expansion only on the back incremental revenue Highlights: 1️⃣ Founders are not at mercy of investors as they don't need funding to survive 2️⃣ Instead the focus is on acquiring paying customers 3️⃣ Building products that people want and willing to pay for 4️⃣ Side-stepping the huge distraction of frequent fundraising 5️⃣ Less founder dilution makes the startup more attractive to investors Lowlights: ⛔ Complacency from reduced existential risk - stalling overall progress ⛔ Losing early mover advantage - copycats using funding to grab & dominate ⛔ Founders burnout due to multitasking and de-focus on critical activities -short term survival vs realizing long term goals Yet, #RamenProfitability (coined by Paul Graham) is a means and not an end, as startups need to grow tall rapidly, in order to succeed. It is an optimal strategy for not dying en-route. That's why startups that attain Ramen Profitability are more likely to succeed than not. Notable Ramen Profitable startups before and after Airbnb respectively would be Google and Buffer, Canny and many more. In DECACORN's portfolio, HockeyStack, Cleva (YC W24) are some instances of startups that are Ramen Profitable at the very outset.

Bonjour Startup Community, Ever wondered about the rising trends in France's Hospitality Industry? Well, look no further, as we introduce you to an article illustrating exactly that! Here, we dive into the exciting trend of Love Room Blogs in France as we feature Chambres des désirs, a remarkable startup bringing romantic and memorable experiences to couples across the nation. This blog is not just a platform, but an insight into France's hospitality industry, pointing you to the best Love Rooms around. Behind this innovative idea are the tenacious founders whose vision continues to disrupt the traditional hospitality industry in the most romantic way possible. Learn more about Love Room Blogs, Chambres des désirs and how they are carving a niche in France's hospitality industry. Here's the link to the article: https://lnkd.in/eji4GRGZ Let's start a conversation below on innovative trends in your local hospitality industries! #HospitalityIndustry #Startups #Innovation #TrendingNow https://lnkd.in/eji4GRGZ

There's something uniquely satisfying about conversing with individuals who are not just shaping the future of the accommodation industry but are also living testimonies of what determination, strategy, and innovation can achieve. This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Chris de Closey, a remarkable 'up and comer' in our field, whose journey and insights have left me genuinely inspired. As someone who cherishes the opportunity to personally connect with our guests, I found Chris's story to be a beacon for anyone in the throes of scaling their business. And with Chris slated to speak at the upcoming Strive To Thrive Conference, we're in for a treat, getting a preview of the wisdom he'll share on a larger stage. Chris de Closey's narrative is not just about growth; it's a masterclass in navigating the accommodation industry's complexities with grace and acumen. From managing over 350 properties to consulting for 60 clients across Australia, Chris has built an enviable empire that many of us aspire to. This episode is a goldmine for those eager to learn about real-world application, strategic growth, and the nuances of making a mark in the competitive accommodation sector. Chris's approach to problem-solving, data-driven decision making, and his relentless pursuit of excellence are lessons in how to not just survive but thrive in our industry. But beyond the numbers and strategies, what resonates most is Chris's journey from the ground up. His evolution from hotel management to leading Switch Hotel Solutions, and his hands-on experience across various facets of the industry, underscore a blueprint for success that is both relatable and aspirational. As we delve into the conversation, it becomes clear that Chris embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience, making him the perfect 'up and comer' to watch out for. His upcoming presence at the Strive Conference is a testament to the impactful strides he's making, and I couldn't be more excited to have him share his insights with us. Reasons This Episode is Important 🌟 🚀 Witnessing the journey of an industry 'up and comer' 📈 Learning the intricacies of scaling a business in the accommodation sector 💡 Embracing a data-driven approach for impactful decision making 🤝 The significance of building lasting relationships within the industry 🎤 Previewing the insights Chris will bring to the Strive Conference 🌐 Gaining actionable strategies to apply to your own business Chris de Closey is more than a director at Switch Hotel Solutions; he's a pioneer who has mastered the art of juggling multiple successful ventures while ensuring exceptional service quality. His dual role as a dedicated father and a leader in the accommodation industry adds a layer of depth to his professional persona, making him incredibly relatable. As we gear up for his appearance at the Strive Conference, this episode serves as a precursor to the wealth of knowledge and experience Chris is set to bring to the table.

How did skills from hospitality help pave my way into tech? Whenever anyone learns I came from hotels, they immediately want to know how I made the transition into co-founder of a startup. In 2005, as a busser, my days were filled with clearing and setting tables, managing buffets, and ensuring guests left with a smile. Those long days, often stretching through split shifts, taught me more than just the layout of a dining room. I developed crucial skills that would later pave my way into the tech world. I learned to communicate effectively with everyone from colleagues, to General Managers and VIP guests including movie stars, politicians, and the family of 12 with high expectations :) But more importantly, I learned the power of a positive attitude and the importance of building relationships in every interaction. In the hustle of bussing tables and managing buffets, I learned the power of a smile and a kind word—skills that opened doors far beyond the dining room. Every interaction was a chance to build relationships and a reminder that hard work paired with a positive attitude not only makes the day go faster but also lays the groundwork for unexpected opportunities. I'll be sharing more insights, as I think it is helpful to those looking to make a change or are just starting out! p.s. It was hard to find a photo of me in the green busser uniform, but here I was as a server on New Year's Eve, in the #1 dining room in Delta Hotels and Resorts® at the time. #CareerJourney #FromHospitalityToTech #LifeLessons #SaaS #StartupLife #ArkeoAI

Motel 6: A Cautionary Tale About Numbers in Company Names Motel 6 is making headlines with its sale to its new owner Oravel Stays. It's the perfect time to take a closer look at that iconic "6" in their name. Did you know it originally stood for the $6 nightly rate back in 1962? This is a classic example of why numbers in company names can be a risky bet. Sure, the "6" meant something at the start. But imagine the awkwardness when prices inevitably went up. Thankfully, the brand became so well-known that the number's original meaning faded into the background. But in those early days, that fixed numeral must have caused headaches for Motel 6. It reminds me of the dial-up service NetZero. Free at first, then... not so free. Today, it's 10 free hours, then you pay. Yes, dial-up still exists! The takeaway? Basing your company name on a price point or other numerical feature can create complications down the road. That's not to say numbers are completely off-limits. Just make sure the number you choose has a deeper meaning that can evolve alongside your company. Remember: Your company name is an asset. Choose wisely! #CompanyNaming #Branding

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗔𝗶𝗿𝗯𝗻𝗯’𝘀 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆? Airbnb, the global phenomenon that revolutionized travel and hospitality, had humble beginnings. Let’s step back in time to the year 2007 when two roommates, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia, were living in San Francisco and had an idea. The idea was simple yet brilliant: 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 who couldn’t find hotel accommodations in the saturated market. • Their company 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲, and investors were hard to come by. • The “bed” part of their “bed and breakfast” concept wasn’t working as expected. • They 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗶𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱 their focus from beds to breakfasts • The duo introduced 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗸𝘆 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀: “The Obama O’s” and “Captain McCain’s.” • It has 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 of Tourists, travelers, and locals along with a prestigious startup accelerator “Y Combinator” • Y Combinator’s interest led to 𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 and mentorship for Airbnb. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲. #startupstrategy  #airbnb  #resilience  #focus  #marketingstrategy  #businessstrategy  #salesstrategy

Improve your guest experience with hotel metasearch optimization. 📲🔑 Gone are the days of browsing multiple websites for rates before booking a hotel room. Hotel metasearch engines will do the work of research and organization for your guests, removing the hard part of making a reservation. 🌴🌞 The guest experience starts long before they set foot on your property, and the ease of booking through a metasearch engine will create a positive association between you and your guests.😍💯 Learn how to optimize your metasearch at http://www.metadesk.pro #metasearch #metasearchmarketing #digitalamarketing #hospitality #hospitalityindustry #hospitalitymanagement #software #startups #hotelmarketing #hoteldigitalmarketing