60-second start-up: Touchnote

5-10 seconds: What's the business model?

Our users pay for postcards, which we print and post to anywhere in the world.

10-15 seconds: Who are your competitors?

On mobile, there are a few like Postino and HazelMail.  For web, it is basically Moonpig.

15-20 seconds: What's your USP?

We've got the most intuitive user-experience: we've worked hard to ensure that it's an easy and fun process.


Privately through friends and family.

25-30 seconds: What were you doing before?

I worked in strategic consulting for seven years.

30-35 seconds: Where did the idea come from?

It came from a conversation with my sister-in-law and brother about sending friends and family better, more personal cards - but also wanting a way to share great photos with them in a tangible way, not just using Flickr or Facebook or email.  The idea to combine them turned into a business plan and then a decision to jump into this full time and turn the idea into a business.


Get a bunch of bright people to work at Touchnote - and then given them the tools and space to be awesome.

40-45: What's the stupidest?

We've made a fair few stupid mistakes - but have tried really hard to learn from them. Not buying enough doughnuts on a Monday is the biggest mistake I constantly seem to make!

45-50: If your business was a biscuit, what type would it be?

I guess we would probably be like the new Rice Krispies bar - an old favourite, but updated and repackaged for a new generation.

50-55: Which idea are you a bit jealous of?

Glasses Direct - it does just make my shopping life a little bit easier. And saves me money. It's always good to see people fight old business models where there's been a lack of innovation.

55-60: Where are you going to be in 12 months time?

We're going to be everywhere - Touchnote cards will be  all over the world on people's desks, fridges and walls.

If you want to be featured as one of Smarta's 60-second start-up's, contact melissa@smarta.com with a few lines about your business.

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