Connecting Locals Who Share Active Lifestyles - Elizabeth Arnold of FLIP App
We caught up with recent Founders Live presenter, and Prime Time 2023 North America regional finalist, Elizabeth Arnold of FLIP app…
Please introduce yourself
Elizabeth Arnold is the CEO and Founder of FLIP, an app that helps people make meaningful connections with others who share the same sport & hobby interests. With over a decade of experience in marketing and brand strategy for a wide array of companies - from Fortune 500 brands to small e-commerce stores, Seed to Series A tech startups, and running small businesses - Elizabeth has a wealth of knowledge and expertise that she brings to FLIP. Elizabeth lives between Ventura and Tahoe, California with her partner and their newborn daughter.
As an entrepreneur, why did you choose this path of creating your own company?
As an entrepreneur, I embarked on the path of creating my own company after a transformative experience in Costa Rica, where I spent four years building an oceanfront yoga and surf hotel. While that chapter of my life was filled with the allure of the beach, I felt a strong inner calling to return to the United States and pursue a different kind of fulfillment through entrepreneurship.
Upon my return, I quickly realized the challenges of forming meaningful connections and finding individuals who shared my passion for sports at a similar skill level. I made numerous attempts to address this issue using existing options, only to find them falling short of my expectations. Curious if others faced the same predicament, I initiated extensive market research and conducted interviews, which confirmed that my struggle was not unique.
Armed with a deep understanding of the widespread nature of this problem, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Rather than waiting for someone else to provide a solution, I saw an opportunity to create something truly innovative. That's when FLIP was conceived and came into existence, driven by my unwavering determination to bridge the gap between sports enthusiasts seeking like-minded peers and an avenue for me to continue building and making a positive impact.
How did you discover Founders Live?
I believe I saw it on a LinkedIn post.
Why do you feel others will benefit from Founders Live as well?
Founders Live is a great opportunity for startups to get exposure for their brand and hone in on their pitching skills. It also is a great way to be a part of a pitch competition for those who don't have the opportunity to get to in-person events.
What have you enjoyed most about the Founders Live Prime Time Pitch Challenge?
“As a community based app, it’s important that our community is involved with FLIP app. Founders Live has allowed us to connect with our customers and spread awareness to a large audience.”
Please describe the company you are currently building and why
FLIP is an app that connects people in their local communities based on their sports and hobby interests. We make it easy for you to connect with others in your area and grow your community. Staying active and picking up a new sport has literally never been easier.
After moving back to the US, it was apparent to me that post-college it was very hard to find new friends who wanted to play the same sports I did at the same skill levels. Instead of waiting for a big name company to make what I wanted, I decided it was time that I made it myself. Because, why not me?
What is your vision? Go out 5 years, what does the world look like with your product or service in it?
In five years, I envision a world where FLIP has become a global platform, revolutionizing the way people connect and engage in their favorite sports and hobbies. Our impact is profound, transforming the landscape of social interaction and community building.
With FLIP's widespread adoption, individuals across the globe can effortlessly connect with like-minded enthusiasts in their local communities or while traveling. No longer is distance a barrier to enjoying the sports and hobbies they love. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a novice, FLIP ensures you find others who match your skill level and share your passion.
Imagine attending a conference in a new city and still having the opportunity to join a local pickleball or basketball game with fellow enthusiasts. Your hobbies no longer need to take a backseat when you travel. Seeking a rock climbing partner for your trip to Yellowstone? FLIP effortlessly matches you with the perfect person or group ready to embark on that adventure.
One of our proudest achievements is the creation of a vibrant and inclusive community for members with physical disabilities.
FLIP is also committed to fostering a safe and accountable environment, ensuring that users can trust the authenticity of their connections.
With FLIP, the possibilities for connection are endless. Whether you're looking for a tennis partner in Tokyo or a skiing friend in the Swiss Alps, FLIP ensures that you never have to pursue your passions alone, regardless of your location. In this vision of the future, FLIP empowers people to build lasting relationships and share unforgettable experiences, making the world a smaller, more connected place for sports and hobby enthusiasts everywhere.
What ONE thing do you need help with the most, and what do you want to ask from the Founders Live community?
The one thing we need the most help with is development. As a non-technical founder, it's difficult to create an app that can sustain the global audience we are looking for. If there are any technical experts who would be interested in helping us out as mentors or possibly as part of the team, we would love to chat with you!
Identify three qualities that when combined make a great founder.
To be a great founder, three essential qualities come to mind, each playing a crucial role in navigating the entrepreneurial journey:
Flexibility: Change is constant and often rapid. The ability to adapt and remain flexible in the face of unforeseen challenges and shifting circumstances is invaluable. Being flexible not only reduces stress levels but also keeps your mind open to new possibilities.
“Successful founders understand that the initial plan may need adjustments, and being open to change can lead to innovative solutions and opportunities that might have otherwise been missed.”
Grit: Building a company is a demanding endeavor that requires determination. Rejection and setbacks are par for the course, and the path to success is often paved with "no's" and various obstacles. A great founder possesses grit, a resilient and tenacious mindset that perseveres. It's the courage to keep moving forward, even when the journey becomes challenging. Believing in the vision, staying committed to the mission, and maintaining the conviction that success is attainable.
Vision: Amidst the noise of competing ideas internally, coupled with external opinions, a great founder must possess a clear and well-defined vision. This vision serves as the North Star, guiding the company's direction and decisions. It not only outlines the company's purpose but also keeps the team aligned and focused on achieving specific goals. Having a well-communicated vision eliminates unnecessary distractions and allows the founder to prioritize tasks and strategies that are directly aligned with the overarching mission.
“In a world filled with opportunities and diversions, a steadfast commitment to the original vision is what sets apart exceptional founders.”
Advice - If you could go back to the beginning and talk to your “rookie founder” self, what would say?
If I could go back and offer advice to my "rookie founder" self, I would emphasize the importance of patience in the entrepreneurial journey. Starting a business is a unique and often unpredictable process. Initially, I was somewhat impatient, believing that there was only one formula for getting a business off the ground: seeking substantial investments from prominent venture capitalists, quitting my full-time job, and surrendering a significant portion of equity just to launch an alpha version. However, I've come to realize that this approach may not be suitable for every business.
“The key lesson I would share is that every business has its own unique path and requirements. It’s essential not to rush into decisions but rather carefully weigh the available options. Comparing my journey to others and feeling like I was failing because my path differed from theirs was a mistake. Entrepreneurship is about being open to alternative, creative approaches that suit your specific circumstances and business model. Patience, flexibility, and the willingness to innovate and adapt can take you much further than adhering to what others are doing.”