Apps are supposed to make us more productive, efficient, or make our lives easier, right? But productivity tools don’t necessarily let people organize and share information the way they want to – and need to – on any current device or software solution. People are stuck using different tools to squeeze their lives and private information into multiple, decentralized offerings.
Kind of counter-productive, no?
Centrallo is a better way to organize your life using one really smart tool that allows you to generate hierarchical lists that you can share – or not. Its flexibility is key, as is the fact that it’s customizable, so it can fit into anyone’s preferred productivity and organizational habits. In fact, it’s available on the web, as well as iPhone, iPad and Android.
Nice list.
Cofounder Michael Sher organizes his thoughts for us here.
Tell us about the product.
Centrallo is a cloud-based, cross-platform personal productivity tool that helps people centralize, organize, prioritize and share their lives. Think Dropbox, but for lists, with unlimited list levels and the ability to share at any level.
How is it different?
Our hierarchal list structure and the ability to share lists at any level are big differentiators from our two largest competitors, Evernote and OneNote.
What market are you attacking and how big is it?
We are attacking the prosumer market – the busy professional who has to balance work, life, family, friends and more. The market has more than 1B users.
What is the business model?
We have a freemium business model. Free for a certain amount of usage, then paid. Premium subscriptions cost $5.00 per month, or $45.00 per year.
What inspired you to build the product?
The product was inspired as a direct result of me wanting to solve my challenges around organizing myself and my family. So much information competes for my attention every day,and I felt overwhelmed with the volume and the lack of tools available to help me pick out the pieces of important information, and then move it into an organized, searchable and sharable workflow. I tried all of the leading tools out there, and none could solve my specific challenges.
What are the milestones that you plan to achieve within six months?
100,000 registered users – at least 5% Daily Active Users and 10% retention rate.
If you could be put in touch with one investor in the New York community who would it be and why?
I have spoken and met with a number of prospective investors. One in particular whom I have not met but admire is Jordan Cooper. He is a partner at Lerer Ventures. I read his blog and respect his opinions. He is an angel investor, too, and would make an amazing advisor.
You’ve already raised $500k for this business. Can you give us some pointers on the fundraising process for our audience who is looking to raise.
Do whatever you can to show traction, quickly. The 100,000 registered user mark is the industry standard benchmark – and most seed stage VC’s will hold you to that. Keep focused, never give up, think positive and believe 1,000% in your vision. VCs love ideas and will rarely tell you “no.” They will often tell you “not now.”.
Why did you launch in New York?
Access to talent. Access to capital. Family is based here.
Where’s your favorite place to grab a beer in NYC?
JG Melon – 1291 3rd Avenue
