It’s happened to all of us. If not once in our lives at least every other weekend. We sit with our circle of friends, start a group chat via text or plan an impressive first date and suddenly we get wedged with trying to come up with something creative or “different”. We want to scope out a new place and try something new but find ourselves in a pit of questions “where should we go?”, “will this be suitable for our crowd?” or “anything local that won’t cost an arm and a leg?”.
Perhaps you are trying to itch a certain mood, trying to experience a new side of town or looking for a new place that will soon become the go to spot. But where do you start? How do you start? Do you dump your faith in Google and assume if you start typing “where can I go on a Saturday night with a group of friends on Queen Street that is relativity cheap and has a 19-25 year old crowd?” that it will finish your sentence and suggest a place? Ideally maybe, it’s Google after all. But in reality- your search will end up with a whole lot of nothing or a cluster of generic unappealing options.
When I first heard whispers of Vanessa and Nima launching Venue Toronto, I almost wanted to bear hug them. What a brilliant idea that not only solves a common issue but also provides us with the opportunity to experience our very own city.
I had the pleasure of having Vanessa and Nima (co-founders of the Venue Toronto app) answer some questions about how it all started, why Venue? And a little insight on what is still to come.
What sparked the idea for Venue?
A: The idea for Venue came from a need that we both had and saw that others had it too. Nima always found himself calling his one friend, who worked in the industry, when he was looking for a specific ‘night out’. Vanessa was always the go-to person that her friends would call when they were looking for a spot to go out. People always have one or more specific requirements when they’re planning to go out, whether it’s the music, atmosphere, dress code, crowd, activity etc. So we thought, why not make an app for that!?
What are some key features that sets venue apart from similar apps?
A: Venue is an app that understands you. Unlike most resources you find today, Venue is completely unbiased. We let the user decide what venues show up first (at the top) and what places show up last (at the bottom). The results you see on Venue, once you’ve completed your search are ranked best matched to least matched (based on your mood).
It’s an easier and faster way to find what you’re looking for and we are constantly updating our mood/experiences, making the app fun and interesting to use.
I see that your app states “Toronto Edition”, any other cities you are looking to expand to?
Your problem of impotency ends here as you read this uk generic cialis article. Oz Show, the herbal extract was featured as an alternative therapy for low sex drive as well as erectile dysfunction. viagra generic for sale It can cause one to live vardenafil online alone without a partner because they may be incapable of satisfying their partner. What stops erections taking part in a sexual activity, is quite complex cialis buy on line process as there are hundreds of physical and psychological factors, are often present at one time. A: Currently we are scoping out three more cities in Canada: Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver. Additionally we recently partnered up with a private investor to launch in a few US cities within the next 3-4 years.
Any restrictions on which venues get to go on Venue or can anyone be listed?
A: We don’t feature big chain restaurants that offer the same experience at every establishment (eg. Jack Astors, Milestones, Hard Rock…) We feature independent/unique spots that give the city its culture. Our goal is for users to find places they’ve never heard of! We look for the “hidden gems,” and the places with unique experiences. For examples, we feature a place in Kensington that serves Sunday Brunch with Live Heavy Metal Music. We think that’s super cool!
Are all Venues on the app handpicked based on personal experiences?
A: Yes, we have a team of cultural specialists that help us do the research. Our research is based on real life experience. We’re all assigned certain venues that we visit prior to adding them to the app.
I see that your mood selection has expanded beyond restaurant, club and live music. Any other avenues you’d like to explore on Venue?
A: Yes! We’ll be getting into day life, athletic/adventure getaways and family friendly experiences. Additionally, we are going to be putting a bigger emphasis on art galleries, giving them their own section all together (at the moment we only have some art featured in our Special Events section). We truly want users to “Experience Your City.”
Aside from social media and online, what other tactics do you use or would like to use to reach fellow Torontonians?
A: Word of mouth strategies, street marketing/promos, Pattison Outdoor, brand ambassadors (esp. at College and Universities). Additionally, we are planning a few special events, and plan to make them annual affairs.
I’m happy to see that you both moved forward with such a great idea- very inspiring for young entrepreneurs out there. Any last words of encouragement you’d like to share for those who need a push?
A: A lot of the times, we talk ourselves out of things due to fear and uncertainty. It’s important to start somewhere…anywhere. Just get out there! Be social, talk to people and ask them for advice. It’s important to be active within your community, especially since we are blessed to be a part of such a creative and collaborative generation. Over time, after dedication, perseverance and hard work, you’ll grow into that person you’ve always wanted to be (and it will happen before you realize it). P.S STAY POSITIVE 🙂 🙂
Don’t forget ladies and gents that Venue Toronto is a FREE app available for both iPhone and android users. I want to thank Vanessa and Nima once again for taking the time and sharing their answers with amodachic. We hope that your experience in the city will be refreshed and more enjoyable than before!
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