The Linz startup Butleroy has presented a completely reworked version of its app at the SXSW in Austin, Texas. In the past, personal butler “Roy” was still helping to find the perfect date within a group of people – now the focus is on increasing the productivity and scheduling of each user.
Thus, to-dos and tasks of the coming week are planned automatically and coordinated with the schedule of the user. Different priorities can be assigned to the To-Dos, but they can be tagged to better manage events. What’s more, so-called “quick actions” allow the digital butler to do things that go beyond traditional scheduling – such as finding restaurants or booking a drive with Uber.
Reaction to user behaviour
Butleroy called the pivot as a pivot, so as a slightly different direction of the company. How did this decision come about? “Based on the data of the current users, we realized that there is a greater potential in this segment,” says Philipp Baldauf, one of the co-founders of Butleroy.
On the one hand, it has been recognized that new apps on the market are difficult if they presuppose that all persons involved are already users. “Again and again, we have tried to convince ourselves that the organizers can motivate their friends to download. The fact is, if an app does not offer real added value without network effects, it is lost in the market, “says the founder.
Learning from your own mistakes
The greatest teaching was drawn in the area of product quality. Thus, the founders themselves see their previous app very self-critical. Everything should change with the new version, promises Baldauf. For example, no overhasty updates are brought to the market any more and “every feature is implemented with the necessary attention to detail”. Such things were often too short in the past.
But the core technology remains the same, emphasizes Baldauf: “The previous research and development, which flowed into our technology, has been further developed thanks to a FFG funding and a partnership with the University of Applied Sciences Hagenberg and is well designed for the innovations.”
Extended business model
The change to the product also extends the business model. For example, users will be asked directly for special features in the future. Cooperations with external companies will be further developed in order to offer users the best possible service.
Asked if there were any problems with the financiers as a result of the reorientation, Baldauf replied: “On the contrary, through the many years of experience of our investors (Note: European Super Angels Club), they know that such adaptations are essential to survival and support us in all respects and are also pleased about the change. “Butleroy has also been intensively accompanied during the last two years by the startup accelerator next Amsterdam.
Also published on Medium.