Phind out Phriday: Making ambition and the relationship work, Pius and Becky of BeCouply

What some of you may not know is that my dad has probably been my biggest cheerleader when it comes to Phreedum. Edit that, he is my biggest cheerleader. When I pitched the idea he was excited and his  excitement has extended itself to constantly keeping me abreast of all things entrepreneurial. That means, articles, books, websites, workshops, and television programs like the one he suggested I watch a few weeks ago on a Sunday night on CNN at 8pm.

CNN was continuing their “Black in America” series. This particular episode was titled “The Promised Land: Silicon Valley.” This report was about the NewME Accelerator program by Google, an incubator program for website start ups. This episode followed several African Americans who lived together and worked on their internet startups. At the end of 9 weeks each start up got to pitch their business to venture capitalists and potentially receive funding to further develop and market their product.
At the end of  9 weeks, two businesses were selected, one of whom I interviewed. The owners, Pius Uzamere and Becky Cruze. The business, BeCouply, a website and app that allows couples to share great date ideas and capture relationship milestones.  
The same night the show aired I googled the site. I learned a little more about BeCouply and I sent an email asking for an interview. Two days later…I got a yes!
Here’s what I phound out about the San Francisco based duo and BeCouply.
Phreedum: Tell me a little about the idea behind BeCouply. How did it go from conception to a “.com”?
BeCouply: We are a real-life couple. As our relationship became more serious, we found ourselves searching for new and exciting date ideas. We also wanted an easy way to capture and share our relationship memories, from everyday moments to special occasions. We knew that if the BeCouply app worked for us, other couples would love it too.
Phreedum: After viewing a part of your journey on CNN’s  “Black in America” series, you were selected by investors to further develop your product. What can you share about the 9 week process?
BeCouply: Overall the NewME accelerator was an amazing experience. For 9 weeks we were surrounded by a great group of individuals who were all dedicated to getting their product into the market. We are extremely proud of everyone in the program and of what we accomplished
Phreedum: What has been the biggest lesson learned on your entrepreneurial journey?
BeCouply: Move as quickly as possible. Design a mockup or prototype and show it to potential users to get feedback before you invest the time and resources to build the full product.
Phreedum: What has been a defining moment for you on your entrepreneurial journey?
BeCouply: There have been so many amazing moments throughout our journey with BeCouply. But one of the true highlights was when we received our first investment from Mitch Kapor. The creator of Lotus 1-2-3, Mitch is a real legend in the tech industry and we could not be more thrilled to count him as part of the BeCouply team!
Phreedum: How does BeCouply change the lives of others?
BeCouply: BeCouply helps couples have epic social lives. We make it fun and easy to discover new date ideas and date spots, capture and share special moments, and connect with couple friends.
Phreedum: What have been some of the successes of BeCouply?
BeCouply: We’ve received amazing press coverage, including features on CNN, TechCrunch and in the Washington Post. Also, even though we’re still pre-launch, thousands of couples have already joined our waiting list for the BeCouply app. It’s exciting to see so much interest and support!
Phreedum: The sacrifices?
BeCouply: SLEEP!
Phreedum: Often times I have talked with entrepreneurs, particularly newer ones (in business about 3 years or less) who express maintaining relationships are difficult. Many forego personal/romantic relationships and consider it a sacrifice or a part of the cost of being a start up entrepreneur. Your business is about couples and you are a couple. Any tips for balancing business/ambition and a fulfilling personal/romantic relationship?
BeCouply: We feel really lucky to be in business together. Instead of spending 8+ hours apart at separate jobs every day, we get to spend most of our time with each other. Plus, we’re fortunate that a lot of our work is focused on coming up with great experiences for couples. It helps us keep date night from getting boring!
Phreedum: What has been the best advice you have received as an entrepreneur?
BeCouply: Listen to feedback but also trust your instincts.
Phreedum: How would you describe each other in one word?
Pius on Becky: Caring
Becky on Pius: Driven
Phreedum: Who has been the most influential in helping you pursue your entrepreneurial endeavors?
BeCouply: Our families have had the biggest influence on us. We couldn’t do what we do without their love and support.
Phreedum: What are your greatest resources?
BeCouply:  Our greatest resources are our investors and board of advisors. They have all become wonderful mentors and always keep us on track.
Phreedum: Where would you like to see BeCouply in 5 years?
BeCouply: Our goal is for BeCouply to be as ubiquitous among couples as Facebook is among college students. Ultimately we hope to help every couple in the world have an epic social life.
For more information about BeCouply visit http://www.becouply.com/

 http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pNYUceEqxVk/TvPoTOigO6I/AAAAAAAAAq8/oPkSm4u1l7I/s320/BeCouply.jpg

What some of you may not know is that my dad has probably been my biggest cheerleader when it comes to Phreedum. Edit that, he is my biggest cheerleader. When I pitched the idea he was excited and his  excitement has extended itself to constantly keeping me abreast of all things entrepreneurial. That means, articles, books, websites, workshops, and television programs like the one he suggested I watch a few weeks ago on a Sunday night on CNN at 8pm.
CNN was continuing their “Black in America” series. This particular episode was titled “The Promised Land: Silicon Valley.” This report was about the NewME Accelerator program by Google, an incubator program for website start ups. This episode followed several African Americans who lived together and worked on their internet startups. At the end of 9 weeks each start up got to pitch their business to venture capitalists and potentially receive funding to further develop and market their product.
At the end of  9 weeks, two businesses were selected, one of whom I interviewed. The owners, Pius Uzamere and Becky Cruze. The business, BeCouply, a website and app that allows couples to share great date ideas and capture relationship milestones.  
The same night the show aired I googled the site. I learned a little more about BeCouply and I sent an email asking for an interview. Two days later…I got a yes!
Here’s what I phound out about the San Francisco based duo and BeCouply.
Phreedum: Tell me a little about the idea behind BeCouply. How did it go from conception to a “.com”?
BeCouply: We are a real-life couple. As our relationship became more serious, we found ourselves searching for new and exciting date ideas. We also wanted an easy way to capture and share our relationship memories, from everyday moments to special occasions. We knew that if the BeCouply app worked for us, other couples would love it too.
Phreedum: After viewing a part of your journey on CNN’s  “Black in America” series, you were selected by investors to further develop your product. What can you share about the 9 week process?
BeCouply: Overall the NewME accelerator was an amazing experience. For 9 weeks we were surrounded by a great group of individuals who were all dedicated to getting their product into the market. We are extremely proud of everyone in the program and of what we accomplished
Phreedum: What has been the biggest lesson learned on your entrepreneurial journey?
BeCouply: Move as quickly as possible. Design a mockup or prototype and show it to potential users to get feedback before you invest the time and resources to build the full product.
Phreedum: What has been a defining moment for you on your entrepreneurial journey?
BeCouply: There have been so many amazing moments throughout our journey with BeCouply. But one of the true highlights was when we received our first investment from Mitch Kapor. The creator of Lotus 1-2-3, Mitch is a real legend in the tech industry and we could not be more thrilled to count him as part of the BeCouply team!
Phreedum: How does BeCouply change the lives of others?
BeCouply: BeCouply helps couples have epic social lives. We make it fun and easy to discover new date ideas and date spots, capture and share special moments, and connect with couple friends.
Phreedum: What have been some of the successes of BeCouply?
BeCouply: We’ve received amazing press coverage, including features on CNN, TechCrunch and in the Washington Post. Also, even though we’re still pre-launch, thousands of couples have already joined our waiting list for the BeCouply app. It’s exciting to see so much interest and support!
Phreedum: The sacrifices?
BeCouply: SLEEP!
Phreedum: Often times I have talked with entrepreneurs, particularly newer ones (in business about 3 years or less) who express maintaining relationships are difficult. Many forego personal/romantic relationships and consider it a sacrifice or a part of the cost of being a start up entrepreneur. Your business is about couples and you are a couple. Any tips for balancing business/ambition and a fulfilling personal/romantic relationship?
BeCouply: We feel really lucky to be in business together. Instead of spending 8+ hours apart at separate jobs every day, we get to spend most of our time with each other. Plus, we’re fortunate that a lot of our work is focused on coming up with great experiences for couples. It helps us keep date night from getting boring!
Phreedum: What has been the best advice you have received as an entrepreneur?
BeCouply: Listen to feedback but also trust your instincts.
Phreedum: How would you describe each other in one word?
Pius on Becky: Caring
Becky on Pius: Driven
Phreedum: Who has been the most influential in helping you pursue your entrepreneurial endeavors?
BeCouply: Our families have had the biggest influence on us. We couldn’t do what we do without their love and support.
Phreedum: What are your greatest resources?
BeCouply:  Our greatest resources are our investors and board of advisors. They have all become wonderful mentors and always keep us on track.
Phreedum: Where would you like to see BeCouply in 5 years?
BeCouply: Our goal is for BeCouply to be as ubiquitous among couples as Facebook is among college students. Ultimately we hope to help every couple in the world have an epic social life.
For more information about BeCouply visit http://www.becouply.com/


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