Channels: Event Management with Text Workflow | Communication Software

Channels Inc.: Revolutionizing Communication for Physical Workers

A team of three University of Michigan students is pioneering Channels Inc., a specialized communication software designed to meet the unique needs of on-site personnel. The company is already securing significant clients within the event management sector.

Founding and Early Success

Siddharth Kaul, 18, Elan Rosen, 20, and Ibrahim Mohammed, 20, established the company after recognizing shared challenges experienced in retail and event environments. Channels Inc. currently serves prominent organizations such as Marriott Hotels. Recently, they announced a $520,000 seed funding round, spearheaded by Sahra Growth Capital, bringing their total funding to approximately $570,000.

Identifying a Critical Need

Kaul observed inefficiencies during events in Kuwait and Dubai, noting delays and reliance on outdated paper-based processes. He realized a gap existed in the market for streamlined communication tools.

“Existing technologies proved disjointed, hindering the ability of on-site workers to effectively complete their assigned tasks,” Kaul explained to TechCrunch. “This issue was particularly evident within the event management industry, where coordination across multiple platforms was commonplace.”

Addressing the Limitations of Current Solutions

While platforms like Slack excel at aggregating communications for remote teams, they are less effective for those working in physical roles. These workers often depend heavily on text-based communication.

However, traditional texting presents drawbacks. Important information can quickly become buried as users scroll through lengthy message threads, leading to lost context and reduced efficiency.

The Channels Inc. Solution

The team developed a platform initially aimed at assisting smaller hotels in their digital transformation. This platform provides communication that isn’t strictly chronological, making information easier to locate and facilitating focused discussions. The SaaS solution also offers searchable archives.

Users can create dynamic personnel maps to visualize employee locations and event layouts. The system allows for alert prioritization, task automation, and real-time progress monitoring.

Marriott's Early Adoption

Marriott Hotels became a client after an employee encountered the Channels platform during a trial run at an event. Observing staff utilizing their phones, the employee inquired about the reason and was directed to Kaul after learning about the product testing.

“The key benefit noted was the speed and efficiency of the communication,” Kaul stated. “Despite employees checking their phones, they remained focused and attentive.”

Key Differentiators and Growth Potential

Channels Inc. delivers robust analytics and graphical representations, a significant advantage that drives customer acquisition and revenue, according to Rosen. He anticipates achieving substantial traction at the convention level, representing the company’s ambitious growth target.

Future Plans and Funding Allocation

The newly acquired funding will be allocated to expanding the development team and attracting additional engineering talent. Furthermore, it will enable Kaul and Rosen to continue their academic pursuits, while Mohammed will dedicate more time to full-time operations.

The company intends to increase its recurring revenue within the Middle East while simultaneously establishing a stronger presence in the United States.

Investor Confidence

Jamal Al-Barrak, managing partner of Sahra Growth Capital, highlighted that Channels Inc. first gained his firm’s attention through their victory at the 2020 Dubai X-Series competition, which Sahra Growth Capital sponsors. This win provided multiple opportunities to observe the founders and track their progress.

Sahra Growth Capital typically doesn’t invest in companies like Channels, but recently launched a “seed sourcing effort” to invest between $200,000 and $800,000 in early-stage ventures, Al-Barrak explained. Channels Inc. represents one of the initial investments under this new initiative.

A Promising Investment

“Channels Inc. is among the first investments made through this initiative and has demonstrated considerable promise, even when compared to our previous investments,” Al-Barrak said. He praised the founders’ strong work ethic and their focus on the event industry, which he characterized as “historically outdated and lacking in technological advancement.”

“Sid, Elan and Ibrahim are among the youngest, yet most impressive entrepreneurs I’ve encountered in my experience investing in over 25 technology startups,” he added. “I was also impressed by their existing proof of concept, demonstrated customer base, and revenue generation. Their vision extends beyond their current industry, aiming to encompass communication for all physical workers – in events, retail, and beyond.”