Introducing our final few event startup spotlight posts – Rebecca Gregory and her startup, Thinking bob. Rebecca was one of the wonderful startups that attended our Event Startups #MeetandEat last week.

What’s the elevator pitch for your startup?

Thinking bob is an innovative entertainment company for geeks, culturists and intellectuals who want to spark fun and serendipity into their social lives. We give members access to unique events and products through a community platform where they can develop long-term friendships and relationships on-line and offline. By creating the perfect environments for people to connect we’re enabling communities to grow within big cities. 

What were you doing before you launched your startup?

Working in fundraising events – i’ve always been passionate about connecting people through events. People connect better through shared experiences and i love giving people that ‘experience’. 

If you have co-founders, where did you meet them?

James and i both went to the same University and I have known Phil for many years but this was the first opportunity we’ve had to work on the same project.

What’s your biggest ‘hindsight’ moment?

When we realised we shouldn’t have trusted someone that was involved early on with the development of our website. He led us on and really set us back financially. We worked on trust and didn’t sign a contract with him. Always sign contracts! Even if they’re friends or supporters – we learn’t the hard way.

What will 2014 bring?

The launch of our upgraded website this summer and the announcement of some exciting new partnerships – the first being with the Royal Festival Hall – i think i can tell you that! Well i have now 🙂

1 piece of advice for someone starting a business in the events space?

Things take a lot longer than you think. Your timelines can get blown out of the window and often due to being let down by other people. Its not easy but just keep on going! 

Convince someone to use your product/service in under 50 words.

Thinking bob events are a really easy, natural way to connect with others on a social level in the City. Its a great way to expand your social circle without the awkwardness and a fantastic alternative to dating sites. Come along and see for yourself.

What’s your favourite startup in the events space (not including your own)?

3beards – Are doing an amazing job growing the Tech community through their events. Which we know first hand is no easy task!

What’s your favourite London restaurant?

Shampers Winer Bar   – It’s independent and never lets us down! The Chilli and lime squid is to die for.

Chilli and squid, you’ve sold us Rebecca – we shall definitely be trying that out, thanks for the recommendation and for your guest post.