Social Networking Watch spoke with 6rounds COO Ilan Leibovich about how the Israeli company got started, its white label solutions and what he thinks of other Webcam dating sites, like WooMe and SpeedDate. – Jenn Rubin
Why did you decide to found 6rounds?
We
came up with the idea for 6rounds about 1 ½ years ago. We started out
doing speed dating sessions for users. As we began developing the
program and our platform, we thought about ways for people to meet
while they’re waiting for the speed dating sessions. Also, if they met
someone that they didn’t really like, they could still do games
together, watch videos or just pass the time in the most fun way.
Can you chat with more than one 6rounds member at a time?
It
is currently just one-on-one video chats, but we’re developing a wider
system that will allow up to six people to talk at the same time. That
is why we call it 6rounds, and because Rounds.com wasn’t available.
The site’s name also comes from the Beach Boys lyrics, “Round round, get around.”
How does 6rounds differ from other Webcam dating sites, such as WooMe and SpeedDate?
Both
WooMe and SpeedDate are doing a great job. However, our platform is not
just focused on dating and on speed dating. It’s also for networking,
socializing and meeting friends. That’s why we like to call it a live
meeting point.
Can other Web sites integrate your platform?
6rounds
is built on a platform called Gixoo. It can be a full-blown, white
label solution, including different designs, different features and so
on.
Just in the trial stage, 6rounds has already
lured members from around the world. Were you purposely pursuing an
international audience?
There was a piece about us on CNN Spanish,
and afterward, a lot of people from Latin America came to the site.
We’ve had articles on TechCrunch and a few other blogs. Those articles
had an invitation code for readers to come to the site and try out
6rounds. So, I’m guessing people are trying it currently from
everywhere.
You and CEO Dany
Fishel received $150,000 from friends and family in order to start
6rounds back in February 2008. Today, the company has raised $1 million
in seed investments. Who are some of your backers?
We got
$350,000 in October 2008 from a company called Startup Factory, which
is an angel group based here in Israel. It has about 50 members, and
each of them put a little cash into the company. We just recently
closed a round of $1 million from a group called Rhodium, which is also
in Israel, and a U.S.-based private equity fund. A few other angels,
whose names probably mean more to the Israeli crowd, are Zeev Bregman,
Ivan Ferrer and Uri Shinar.
How will the site make money?
The
Web site is free, and we won’t charge people for using it. However,
users can pay to personalize and customize the chat rooms. For
instance, during a round, members can purchase certain activities and
backgrounds. We’re also thinking of having advertising during the
rounds, as well as sponsored games, activities, gifts and so on.
Tell me a little bit about the 6rounds team.
We currently have eight people based here in Israel. Dany and I are the only people who are not developers.
Any plans to expand into the mobile market?
Of
course. We’re thinking about creating an application for the iPhone,
but it is something we’re planning probably for late 2010.
Besides the official launch, what are your plans for the site in the coming year?
We’re
planning Facebook and MySpace applications, as well as Firefox plugins.
We want people to be able to enjoy our video experience platform from
everywhere across the Web, from their favorite social networks to their
favorite applications and even their personal blogs. Our ultimate goal
is to offer a wide platform for sharing experiences in a live
atmosphere.
This interview also appears on SocialNetworkingWatch.
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