In this insightful interview with Joshua Kaufman, co-founder of Atly, we delve into the entrepreneurial journey that led to the creation of a revolutionary approach to online searches. Kaufman, a New York-based tech enthusiast with a background that spans from Michigan to San Francisco, shares his passion for technology and innovation.
Atly, his brainchild, aims to transform how we discover locations online. Kaufman discusses the shortcomings of current search methodologies, highlighting the need for a more nuanced, desire-based approach rather than the conventional, generic star-rating system. This idea, sparked by a conversation about the difficulty of locating a natural spring in Israel, has evolved into a dynamic platform that caters to specific user needs. Kaufman’s entrepreneurial spirit, evident from his early days conceptualizing unique inventions, shines through as he narrates his journey. From pitching start-ups at 17 to the inception of Atly, his path is marked by creativity, persistence, and a willingness to embrace unconventional ideas.
His collaboration with co-founders L’Oreal and Aviar underscores the importance of teamwork in refining and realizing innovative concepts. Kaufman’s story is not just about technological advancement but also about the human ingenuity and collaborative spirit driving it.
Redefining Search: Joshua’s Journey from Childhood Inventions to Shaping the Future of Online Discovery
Joshua Kaufman’s story is a riveting blend of tech passion and entrepreneurial spirit. Speaking on Bright Founders Talk, Kaufman, the 30-year-old tech wizard behind Atly, delves into his journey from a Michigan native to a New York innovator. It’s not just about his geographical shift from San Francisco to the Big Apple; it’s about his transition from a tech enthusiast to a visionary co-founder. Kaufman’s narrative is peppered with anecdotes and insights, revealing a deep-seated passion for tech and an innate desire to challenge the status quo. His current mission? To revolutionize how we discover locations online, moving away from generic search criteria to something more aligned with our actual desires and needs.
The inception of Atly wasn’t just a lightbulb moment; it was a culmination of years of creative thinking and problem-solving. Kaufman shares a fascinating backstory about the genesis of his company. It all started with a question about finding a natural spring in Israel – a question that led to a eureka moment about the inefficiencies in current search methodologies. This revelation sparked the birth of Atly, aiming to provide a platform where the ‘wisdom of the crowd’ could guide users to their desired destinations, tailored to their specific preferences. Kaufman’s approach is simple yet profound: “If you’re just looking for coffee, it’s a five-star place. But if you need a quiet spot to read, maybe it’s only one star.” It’s this nuanced understanding of user needs that sets Atly apart.
If you’re just looking for coffee, it’s a five-star place. But if you need a quiet spot to read, maybe it’s only one star
Joshua KaufmanCo-Founder of Atly
But who really is Joshua Kaufman? Beyond his role as a co-founder, he’s a man who has embraced his knack for ‘silly’ ideas since childhood. From dreaming up a shrinking peanut butter jar to prevent knuckle-smearing to his latest venture, Kaufman has never shied away from thinking outside the box. His self-proclaimed superpower? Spawning ideas at the speed of light. He jokes about his relentless brainstorming sessions, “Stupid idea number 738… and they’ll just respond, ‘I’m glad you got it out.'” This fearless approach to ideation, combined with his ability to laugh at himself, makes Kaufman not just a successful entrepreneur but a relatable, down-to-earth individual. His story isn’t just about tech and business; it’s about the power of imagination and the courage to pursue even the most unconventional ideas.
Balancing Creativity and Collaboration: Joshua’s Key to Entrepreneurial Success
In the dynamic world of startups, Joshua, co-founder of an innovative tech company, sheds light on the synergy that powers his team. He eloquently describes the unique blend of skills among the co-founders, with each bringing their own strengths to the table. Oriol, the navigator and manager, complements Joshua’s boundless creativity and broad knowledge, while Aviar shines as the tech wizard. Joshua likens their collaboration to selecting characters in a video game, each with different attributes that collectively form a robust circle. This metaphor captures the essence of their teamwork – diverse yet harmonious, like a well-oiled machine.
Delving deeper into the dynamics of working with friends, Joshua provides an insightful perspective. He emphasizes the importance of understanding personality types, especially distinguishing between givers, matchers, and takers. His philosophy is simple yet profound: the harmony in a team is disrupted only when a ‘taker’ dominates, leading to ego clashes and a sense of being taken advantage of. Fortunately, in his team, a blend of givers and matchers fosters a supportive environment where recognition isn’t a point of contention. Joshua’s advice resonates with anyone navigating the complexities of collaborative ventures, highlighting that the crux isn’t about working with friends, but rather understanding and aligning with their personalities.
On a more personal note, Joshua describes himself as ‘creative, ridiculous, and fun’, a trio of traits that paint a picture of a vibrant and innovative entrepreneur. He also shares a unique approach to maintaining a work-life balance: a strict no-work rule on Saturdays for all co-founders. This rule allows them to disconnect completely, providing a mental reset and preventing tunnel vision. Joshua’s Saturdays are a blend of exercise, reading, and unstructured leisure, a formula that recharges him for the week ahead. His strategy not only ensures personal well-being but also brings a fresh perspective to his work, proving that sometimes, the best way to stay productive is to allow yourself a complete break.
It’s not whether or not to work with friends, it’s more about understanding the personalities of the people you’re choosing to work with
Joshua KaufmanCo-Founder of Atly
Joshua’s Literary Inspirations and His David vs. Goliath Battle in Tech
Joshua, a voracious reader and a quote collector, shares his unique approach to finding inspiration in literature. His wall, adorned with 200 quotes from various books, is a testament to his love for meaningful words and ideas. While he doesn’t pinpoint a single book as his beacon, he highlights several that have shaped his business philosophy. Titles like ’40 Laws of Power’ and ‘Innovators Dilemma’ have been instrumental in his understanding of business dynamics, especially in an environment rife with strategic maneuvers and disruptive technology. It’s this eclectic mix of readings that has equipped him with diverse perspectives and strategies for navigating the complex world of tech entrepreneurship.
Describing his daily rhythm, Joshua reveals an interesting pattern in his creativity flow, with a notable dip in the late afternoon. This self-awareness of his productive peaks and valleys speaks to his ability to optimize his work schedule. Despite this lull, he remains flexible, adapting to different times of the day, a trait that’s crucial in the fast-paced startup environment. This adaptability isn’t just about managing time; it’s about harnessing creativity when it strikes, a skill that Joshua has mastered.
When asked to envision his company as a movie poster, Joshua’s response is both imaginative and bold. “There’s a map for that,” he suggests as the tagline, reflecting the core service of his platform. The imagery he chooses is powerful – David versus Goliath – signifying the daunting challenge his startup faces against the tech giant, Google. This analogy isn’t just for dramatic effect; it encapsulates his strategic approach: targeting niche markets as a pathway to eventually outperform a giant. Joshua’s confidence and clarity in this underdog strategy are evident as he talks about ‘death by a thousand cuts’ – gradually chipping away at Google’s dominance by excelling in specific areas. His belief in victory, fueled by specialized, targeted solutions, is a compelling narrative of determination and ingenuity in the face of overwhelming odds.
The only way David won was with a different weapon… It’s death by a thousand cuts
Joshua KaufmanCo-Founder of Atly
