MailGapp is a social impact startup. We first sought to end homelessness with our product. We expanded into the business side of the digital mailbox and courier service.
Co-founder, Daniel Kaneshiro
Name: MailGapp Inc.
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Website: www.mailgapp.com
Product / Service Offering: Digital Mailbox and Courier Service
Co-founder Interviewed: Daniel Kaneshiro
Other Key Management Team Members: Chelsea Gonzales
This article is part of our Business Startup Spotlight Series featuring entrepreneurs and their companies. We hope that these founders’ interviews will inspire and motivate you as you undertake your own entrepreneurial journey.
Tell us a little about yourself with a focus on what motivates you.
Passion fueled by purpose = freedom. My daughter asked me “Dad, why do you always wear board shorts to work?” I told her they are not bored; they are EXCITED shorts. I am lucky to be doing what I am doing. I do not take it for granted. Being an entrepreneur is the hardest work, but it creates a lifestyle I enjoy. Plus I get to spend maximum time with my kids, and I use MailGapp to do it.
What is the Difference between a Lifestyle Business and a Scalable Company?
When did you establish your company and where did the idea originate?
MailGapp was established in 2016. From an everyday observation at my co-working center, I saw a problem with physical mail and packages. I was inspired to build a solution to save time, money, and yourself a trip to your mailbox. Actually, I was born for this. Long story short, my first job out of school was office clerk/messenger. I digitized this with MailGapp
What need or needs does your company seek to fill for its customers?
Every individual or individual business needs an address. They need to focus on their business or their busy life. They do not need to spend time checking their mailbox or going to it just to retrieve something important. That is the gap we eliminate.
What is the one thing that sets your company apart from its competitors?
We all send notifications, we all open and scan documents, but MailGapp is the only digital courier platform. It is like Uber Pool or Lyft Line for your packages. They are delivered on demand and into the palm of your hand.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while getting your company up and running, and how did you overcome it?
MailGapp’s biggest challenge was finding users. Everyone agrees it is a great idea, but finding paying customers is always a challenge. We realized that offering a mail service was not enough. People were really excited about packages. Now we offer a complete platform. Address/postal mail/packages all delivered to you, in your own time and place.
Are there resources you have utilized that other founders might find compelling or useful?
MailGapp is a social impact startup. We first sought to end homelessness with our product. We expanded into the business side of the digital mailbox and courier service.
What steps have you taken to secure funding for your company and what, if anything, would you do differently if you had to start over?
The best source of funding is revenue. I should have focused on that with MailGapp rather than raising investor money. Retain as much equity as possible.
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Have there been any questions you have had as an entrepreneur of a fledgling startup that you had a particularly hard time finding the answers to?
“When is it time to call it quits?” Know the difference between persistence and perseverance. They always say fail fast. I do not believe that. My four B’s are – be honest; be compelling; be impactful; BELIEVE!
What challenges, if any, are you grappling with?
MailGapp’s challenge is finding a team.
The Perfect Entrepreneurial T-E-A-M: Transformer, Examiner, Architect, and Mover
What is the most helpful tip or “hack” you’ve ever learned, stumbled across, or been given?
Read “The Adventures of Johnny Bunko” and apply it to your work.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your company?
Asking my kids to “check the mail” is like punishment to them. They would rather take out the trash. When I do make them do it, they stomp their feet and grumble. I am building something for their children and beyond.
Are you familiar with other startups you believe should be spotlighted? If so, we would like to hear from you. Tell us about them, sharing in your comments below!
Sandra Sloan
Sandra has previous supply chain and business operations experience which she is leveraging as an author with FundingSage focused on spotlighting entrepreneurs and their startup efforts.
