Grouper's members!
Grouper has taken the US by storm so we talk to Nikki Schlecker, communications manager about their approach to the UK and how they can help you to have a new and exciting twist on your regular night out on the town!
Grouper stared from Michael Waxman’s experience of being single and new to New York City, are you able to tell us a little bit about this and how everything came into place from there.
Michael Waxman had recently graduated from college and found himself single in New York City and it was a hard place to be particularly if you are single. He had only a small group of friends that he had graduated with and the city is a really big place. He had this idea of networks coming together and you trust your friends, so he invited two of his friends to a bar and told them each to bring two of their friends. It turns out he didn’t know any of the other friends that came; they all paid for the first round up front and that is how Grouper formed from there. Since then Michel started setting up other groups and in the first month our business was really born. He was then actually able to make rent in New York City through Grouper which is a pretty big feat.
How are people matched to other like-minded individuals?
We have a pretty intense matching process beforehand- we have an entire dedicated team of experienced professionals. Not only do they deal with reservation they also take into account matching so we have an algorithm that we see that will aggregate some really good matches and then the more experienced person will go and really match as they find out that one person really likes to hang out there- and consider if the other person like it- so it puts a human touch to it so that every match has been give equal time and care.
How should you choose your wingmen and wing women for the night out?
On our site, we have a witty page about that! You should choose someone that is outgoing and fun and not afraid to have an adventurous side. At the end of the day it’s all about adventure and experience so we want people who are open to meeting new people, open to trying new places and seeing where the night takes them. I really think that Grouper is for everyone as you do have the comfort of your own friend group so you don’t have that awkwardness but ultimately it’s about choosing people who are up for a good time!
Why is it so important to connect with people when you live in a big city?
We believe life’s moment are the ones that happen face to face and as our social networks grow and grow it’s really important to meet all these new people face to face in the city because you never know what could come out from it. It just provides a new night, a freshness and creating those real life experiences away from the computer and in real life so you can make those genuine moments.
Why is London the next ideal location for the business?
We took London as our first big international city because of its famous night life scene and young professional demographic. Londoners have a work had play hard mentality and it’s sometimes really hard to meet people outside of work , so we are excited to help our new members to get away from their computers and meeting new people.
Can you tell us how Grouper is the next phase of social networking?
We really take the social part of social networking very seriously- right now it’s happening in the glow of your computer screens at night, sifting through photos but we are about focusing on the socialising part to bring he network off line and pursue your new adventure. Grouper is about a time and place for technology and ultimately it will be technology that saves you from technology- a lot of people will put away their phone or computer and go out.
You feature lots of stories on the site, so how important is it to you get feedback from your members?
Once you are a member you have a concierge and you are in constant contact with them- they talk to you while you are in Grouper and ask you how it’s going and on the morning after ask how it’s gone. Our members feel very comfortable with us- they are always getting a real human and they know that we set them up with some great people. Their stories just pour out whether it’s the next morning, the next week they just pour out and most of it is really funny!
How did you personally become involved with Grouper?
I had gone on a night out and had a great night out with all of them, my friends all raved about it and I knew it was a company that was really going places. So I applied and I got interviewed and once I got there I realised that the atmosphere is amazing, people really have a great team atmosphere here.
Please can you tell us about the plans for the UK?
We are focusing on finding the best venues, people and gathering the most enticing adventures for our members. In a few short months we aim to be present through the UK with a handful of other European cities to follow. We are excited to be spreading the word and creating new experiences across many different cultures. The surrounding cities in the UK stay tuned because you will be hearing form us!