How I Built This with Guy Raz Zocdoc: Oliver Kharraz
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Aug 17, 2020 Oliver Kharraz, co-founder of Zocdoc, shares his journey from doctor to entrepreneur, driven by the desire to simplify healthcare access. He recounts overcoming the infamous chicken-and-egg dilemma of connecting patients with doctors while also convincing healthcare providers to adopt their platform. The conversation dives into the challenges of shifting business models, the impact of COVID-19 on telehealth, and the pivotal moments that defined Zocdoc's success. Kharraz emphasizes the blend of resilience, adaptability, and a touch of luck in building a thriving startup.
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Chicken and Egg Problem
- Two-sided marketplaces face a chicken-and-egg problem: needing both supply and demand to attract each other.
- Zocdoc needed doctors for patients and patients for doctors.
Zocdoc's Origin
- Oliver Kharraz's co-founder, Cyrus Massoumi, ruptured his eardrum and struggled to find a doctor.
- This sparked the idea for Zocdoc after experiencing the inefficient process of finding medical care.
Starbucks Market Research
- To test their initial Zocdoc website mockup, Kharraz and Massoumi offered $5 Starbucks gift cards to strangers for feedback.
- This unconventional market research proved valuable, offering positive responses compared to feedback from their professional circles.