(PR.co.nz) Kiwi startup, Timely (www.gettimely.com), has been named as Microsoft BizSpark global startup of the month for October.
Microsoft BizSpark is a global program that helps startups by giving them access to software development tools, services & support. Since it was established in 2008, more than 45,000 companies in over 100 countries have joined BizSpark.
“To get recognition on a global scale from a company the size of Microsoft is very rewarding.” explains Ryan Baker, co-founder of Timely Ltd. “Windows Azure has been awesome. 10 years ago with our first startup, we had to buy our own server on day one. Today, with cloud computing, we have instant access to a hugely scalable platform at a fraction of the price”.
The company launched in July and provides appointment scheduling software for small business owners. With customers in NZ, Australia, USA, Canada and the UK already – Timely is gaining popularity with massage and beauty therapists, medical practitioners, professional services, photographers and trades.
“Our customers range from waxing clinics to computer repairers” says Mr Baker, “The one thing they have in common is they are all small business owners, they are all very busy and they love that Timely can save them time and help them grow.”
The founders are not new to this, Ryan Baker and Andrew Schofield previously founded tourism booking engine bookit.co.nz which was acquired by Trade Me in 2010.
“We decided to stick to what we know. It’s not the most exciting thing to announce at a dinner party, but we’ve been making booking systems for over 10 years and we’re pretty good at it.” explains Mr Schofield.
Timely is integrating with other cloud-based solutions like Xero.com and VendHQ.com to provide a powerful suite for appointment based small businesses.
“Xero has paved the way by creating an ecosystem and showing small business owners what is possible with cloud apps in terms of quality, price and performance. Small business owners expect more now and that creates a market for us to enter with a product that our customers recognise as world-class and want to use.” says Mr Schofield.
The startup has big plans as it eyes a huge global market from right here in New Zealand.
“It’s fun, it’s exciting, it’s hard work. We’ve been on the roller coaster before and we know what to expect. Anything and everything.” says Baker, with a smile.
Media Release 24 October 2012.