Alexis Bowen is the co-founder of Elsewhere.io, a travel marketplace acquired by Lonely Planet in 2022.

Alexis discusses the company's rapid development and sale within a year during the COVID-19 pandemic. Elsewhere.io connects travelers directly with local travel agencies to plan and book international trips, eliminating the need for traditional tour intermediaries. Alexis shares insights on the challenges of launching a startup during a pandemic, the company's unique approach to branding and product development, their bootstrapped and lean startup strategy which led to early profitability without external investments, and the strategic use of partnerships and influencer marketing to gain traction. The decision to sell to Lonely Planet, despite the potential for further growth, is also explored, including the emotional and business considerations behind the move. Lastly, Alexis emphasizes the importance of compelling storytelling and an all-in culture in building a successful business.

Highlights:

00:37 A Marketplace Revolutionizing Travel

03:22 Navigating Startup Challenges: From Ideation to Launch

06:53 Bootstrapping Success: Building Elsewhere.io Without External Investment

11:16 Tech Insights for Non-Technical Founders: Building on a Budget

18:16 Mastering Go-to-Market on a Shoestring Budget

22:57 The Decision to Sell to Lonely Planet: Pros, Cons, and Process

29:16 Integration and Reflections: Life After Acquisition

30:12 The Power of Storytelling in Building High-Performance Companies

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Where to find Alexis Bowen:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-bowen-9ba18423/

Where to find Neeta:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetabidwai/

Where to find Good Revenue:

https://dfnstrategy.com/goodrevenue 

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