From Campus Innovation to Industry Disruptor: DoubleSpot's Journey
This article was originally published on SCD News. You can read the original article here.
In the heart of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a group of ambitious students turned a frustration with outdated facility management systems into a groundbreaking startup. DoubleSpot, founded by recent UIUC alumni Sean Chang, Joshua Chang, and Wei-Jui (Ryan) Chen, is revolutionizing the space booking industry with its innovative, user-centric approach.
The Spark of Innovation
Sean Chang's internship with the LA Dodgers exposed him to the archaic world of facility management software. "While working with the Dodgers, I identified significant pain points in facility management," Sean recalls. "Through interviews with over 100 facility managers, it became clear that the systems in place were outdated—some hadn't been updated in decades."
This realization sparked the idea for DoubleSpot. The team's diverse backgrounds—Sean in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism and Computer Science; Joshua in Computer Science and Music; and Ryan in Electrical Engineering with minors in Computer Science and Business—provided the perfect blend of skills to tackle this challenge.
Evolving the Concept
DoubleSpot's journey wasn't without its pivots. Ryan explains, "Initially, the concept focused on maximizing stadium revenue during the off-season, similar to an Airbnb model for facilities. However, through our interviews and research, we realized the broader need to address outdated systems in the industry."
This insight led to a crucial pivot in May 2023, shifting from a consumer-focused model to a B2B approach. The team recognized that the real opportunity lay in revolutionizing the entire facility management ecosystem.
The iVenture Accelerator: A Catalyst for Growth
In 2023, DoubleSpot joined the highly competitive iVenture Accelerator at UIUC. This program, which selects only 10 startups annually, proved to be a game-changer for the young company.
Mayank Mehta, Assistant Director of Entrepreneurship Education at iVenture, highlights the team's exceptional drive: "DoubleSpot showcased constant growth. They were always working, coding, and attending workshops. Their perseverance and resilience set them apart, even as they faced challenges like team members fulfilling cultural duties abroad."
The accelerator provided more than just resources; it offered a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and invaluable mentorship. Sean emphasizes, "Without their support, we wouldn't have connected with key clients like the Siebel Center for Design (SCD)."
Crafting a User-Centric Solution
DoubleSpot's approach to solving facility management challenges is rooted in understanding user needs. The platform offers:
- Intuitive Interface: Unlike existing systems that require lengthy onboarding, DoubleSpot aims to be as user-friendly as social media platforms.
- Comprehensive Management: An all-in-one solution for space scheduling, event coordination, and membership management.
- Flexibility: Customizable features tailored to specific facility needs.
- Automatic Conflict Resolution: The system automatically blocks off spaces as soon as a request is submitted, eliminating manual decision-making for overlapping bookings.
The Siebel Center for Design Partnership: A Milestone
The partnership with the Siebel Center for Design marked a significant milestone for DoubleSpot. Nicholas Puddicombe, SCD's Senior Associate Director of Operations and Experience, recognized the platform's potential early on.
"DoubleSpot combines customization with a strong focus on the priorities of both managers and customers," Puddicombe notes. "They've built the platform using human-centered design principles, ensuring that the user journey is intuitive and enjoyable."
This collaboration not only provided DoubleSpot with its first major client but also offered a real-world testing ground to refine their product.
The DoubleSpot Advantage
What sets DoubleSpot apart in a crowded market? Ryan emphasizes their focus on genuine needs: "We've tailored our product to address the specific pain points of facility managers."
Key differentiators include:
- Human-centered design approach
- Rapid response times and exceptional customer service
- Continuous iteration based on user feedback
- Seamless integration of individual components
Looking to the Future
DoubleSpot's vision extends beyond mere scheduling. "In the long term, we aim to expand beyond scheduling into comprehensive facility management, integrating AI to make tasks easier for users," Sean explains.
The team's goals are ambitious yet focused. They aim to be the best solution for facility management, not necessarily the largest. Their commitment to creating a product that users genuinely love drives their innovation and growth strategy.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Student Entrepreneurs
DoubleSpot's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring student entrepreneurs. The founders offer this advice:
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"Be nice, be humble, and be persistent." - Sean Chang
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"Focus on what people actually need. Often, people don't know what they want until you show them." - Ryan Chen
Mayank Mehta from iVenture adds, "At the start of every iVenture summer, we ask our new cohort: why do you do what you do? And if you don't know your why, it'll be a lot harder to look for resources because you won't know that there is anything to look for in the first place."
Learn More About DoubleSpot
Are you intrigued by DoubleSpot's innovative approach to facility management? Whether you're a potential customer, investor, or simply curious about their journey, there are several ways to connect with DoubleSpot and stay updated on their progress:
For those interested in getting involved with DoubleSpot, Sean Chang encourages reaching out:
"We're always looking for customers willing to beta-test and provide feedback. We're also seeking advisors and investors to help us grow, as well as talented sales and marketing professionals to bring DoubleSpot to a wider audience."