Behind the curtain of ProbeDots' launch.
In the vast expanse of the digital universe, finding one's way can be a daunting journey. Yet, it is within these uncharted terrains where tales are born. Such is the story of ProbeDots, a beacon of guidance for internet explorers, and this is the tale of its inception.
Our adventure begins with a series of life-changing events that led to a profound realization and a need to embark on a new journey. After years of enriching experience at Orange Consulting, a relocation to La Réunion, and the joy of welcoming my first daughter, I felt the invigorating call of a new horizon. Meanwhile, Alex, with his substantial experience in growth freelancing and the creation of a growth collective aimed at boosting app engagement, was also standing at a crossroads, ready for the next leap.
| Our bond was forged in the halls of Dauphine University and further strengthened through our collaboration on Nationall, an ambitious project that, despite its outcome, taught us invaluable lessons. Now, as if guided by an invisible hand, the time had come for us to unite our strengths once more, driven by a shared vision to create a product and a company that could redefine the way people interact with the digital world. | |
| Alex and me, in 2016, in our shiny graduation gowns |
We both knew that jumping into a new venture wouldn’t be easy. Armed with a book that felt like it was written just for us, "How to be a Founder" by Alice Bentinck and Matt Clifford, we mapped out what we had in our arsenal. Alex, the master of optimization, UX, and tech, had a knack for making apps sing. I brought in my tune with a heavy beat in customer service and an intuitive feel for what makes a good user experience.
It wasn't just about what we were good at; it was about what we cared about. We were – and still are – driven by a shared belief that we could make a dent in the universe of apps, e-commerce, and beyond.
Do you know how it is when you’re trying to buy something online and suddenly you’re drowning in options? That was us, frustrated but also intrigued. Current recommendation engines in apps and e-commerce often fall short and their propositions fall outside of our interest. We saw the potential of AI and large language models to cut through the noise, making shopping online a breeze instead of a chore. While researching, talking to folks in the industry, and reflecting on our own experiences, the pieces started to fall into place.
How are we supposed to choose a washing machine?
Thus, ProbeDots was born. It's our answer to the endless scroll and the constant second-guessing that comes with online shopping and content search. It is the embodiment of our vision to alleviate the paradox of choice through AI-driven personalization. Designed to empower users to make informed decisions without the overwhelming burden of excessive options, ProbeDots aims to foster a more intuitive and satisfying online experience.
We saw ourselves not as tech moguls but as guides, helping users navigate the digital world with ease, making sense of their wants, and connecting them with what they need.
First, we wanted to be named "Thot", about the Egyptian god. Thankfully, an American friend helped us out.
We're building ProbeDots to be your ally in the maze of online shopping, steering you clear of the paradox of choice, and helping find the treasure. On each and every app or website. It’s a way to reclaim your time and confidence in making decisions online, powered by technology but with a human touch.
We’re here to share every step of this journey with you, from our setbacks to our victories. We see this blog as an open invitation to join us, learn with us, and maybe even see a bit of your own entrepreneurial dreams reflected in our story.
Let’s see where this journey takes us, together. Welcome aboard!