Cathy Huang, Founder and CEO of FolioWorks, is on a mission to revolutionize internships by connecting companies with government subsidies to reduce hiring costs. She shares her personal journey into the tech world and the significance of making internships accessible to all. The conversation dives into unique pricing strategies for startups versus large enterprises and the startup's challenges in attracting enterprise customers. Cathy also highlights the evolving landscape of internships, emphasizing talent development and the importance of innovative solutions in a changing market.
Folio's innovative model significantly reduces internship costs by leveraging government wage subsidies, enhancing accessibility for students and companies alike.
Kathy Wong envisions expanding Folio's reach to large enterprises, focusing on sustainability and growth through lasting contracts and streamlined processes.
Deep dives
Rapid Growth and Impact of Folio
Folio has gained significant traction since its inception, servicing over 1,000 students and 500 companies in just one year. The platform boasts an impressive $1.2 million annual run rate, primarily driven by startups, which have flocked to the service without the need for any marketing efforts. On average, Folio registers 10 new startup signups weekly, showcasing its demand in the market, as it saves companies five times more than the fees they pay. This value proposition not only alleviates financial burdens on startups but also creates a pathway for students to secure internships, which are critical for career development.
Revolutionizing Internship Accessibility
Folio aims to revolutionize the internship landscape by drastically reducing the cost associated with internships for both students and companies. With the average cost of onboarding an intern estimated at $25,000, Folio offers a solution that cuts this in half by providing access to billions of dollars in government wage subsidies. The platform facilitates a streamlined process where large enterprises can employ interns without the tedious bureaucratic hoops, enhancing their internship programs significantly. This approach addresses a pressing issue, as currently only about 20% of students land internships, highlighting the need for more accessible opportunities.
Building for Enterprise and Future Growth
Kathy Wong, the CEO of Folio, envisions a future where the internship model evolves to support more students and companies through a B2B framework. By transitioning from a focus largely on startups to targeting large enterprises, Folio aims to convert its pilot programs into lasting contracts, thereby increasing its revenue and user base. The company plans to develop a tool that will simplify the process for big businesses to access wage subsidies, further embedding Folio within the internship funding ecosystem. This strategic shift is crucial for Folio’s goal of serving at least 100 interns per enterprise customer and transitioning to a sustainable growth model.
Navigating Challenges and Securing Funding
Kathy has faced challenges in securing funding due to external market conditions, prompting a reassessment of Folio's operational strategies to ensure long-term viability. She emphasizes the importance of de-risking the business before approaching potential investors, making thoughtful decisions to build investor confidence. Despite uncertainties tied to government policies affecting educational programs, Folio has aligned its mission with current governmental objectives to aid student internships and employment. This foresight is instrumental as Kathy continues to foster relationships with investors while focusing on demonstrating the platform’s efficacy and success in transforming internship experiences.
Cathy Huang wants to unlock millions of dollars for millions of new internships. But with her round already closed, will there be room for everyone who wants to invest?
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*Disclaimer: No offer to invest in Folio is being made to or solicited from the listening audience on today’s show. The information provided on this show is not intended to be investment advice and should not be relied upon as such. The investors on today’s episode are providing their opinions based on their own assessment of the business presented. Those opinions should not be considered professional investment advice.