Huh?
You’re probably thinking: I have been to several Technori pitches, follow CEC, 1871, BIC, every new start-up, etc. Last I checked there was not a Chicago-based start-up called Breakdance? Correct. But there is one called Dabble, which gets my vote for favorite Chicago start-up. Let me explain.
Yesterday I ran into my cousin who updated me on her 13 year old son’s latest passion: breakdancing. She’s scratching her head. She also mentioned that her attorney husband just finished learning how, creating and installing leaded glass windows into their newly remodeled kitchen after taking one class. It simply doesn’t matter whether it’s breakdancing or glass welding the bottom line is this: hobbies make you interesting!
Dabble leverages technology to provide a platform to find affordable one-time classes (that meet in person) which allow you to try something new: whether drink mixing or blogging, knitting or woodworking, Dabble covers the gamut. The reasons I like Dabble best: the price point is very affordable, the market segments to which the company could expand are literally endless and can be separated by geography, demographics, etc (think city/suburbs, think kids, think retirees, etc.), the business model is perfect to scale (low barriers though), and lastly: we all desire and need to have human contact – taking a class in person in a low risk way is really compelling and satisfies that human desire. Plus, it’s just plain fun to Dabble in something new!
[Full disclosure: I do not work for Dabble. However, I have taken a Dabble class and had a fantastic overall user experience. Additionally, I have met co-Founders Erin and Jessica and not only do I think they are very talented but I also believe they have developed a really neat community of dabblers. I am uncertain as to whether they have offered breakdancing or glass-welding but bet they're in the pipeline!]
[By way of background, last month I left Kleiner Perkins-funded Plum District; Chicago’s start-up scene is too exciting not to join!]
