One of the biggest challenges that companies face is outsourcing their research & analysis projects to online marketplaces and freelancers. This is primarily due to the variability of each candidate’s ability, which ultimately creates a large range in quality. KeyInsite is able to solve this problem.
KeyInsite provides virtual business analysts on demand. We provide our services through a network of virtual analysts, and have a proprietary quality check process in place. This ultimately provides customers with a standardized high quality at a competitive price point. Simply put, it is “smart outsourcing”.
KeyInsite soft launched its services in 2014, has received a 97% satisfactory rating from companies, and has a ~70% repeat customer base.
At whom is your startup aimed?
We are primarily aimed at small to medium sized companies, but we have had Fortune 500, hedge funds, and venture capital firms use our service.
How does your startup stand out against its competitors?
Our quality check process is a combination of matching algorithms and training people. Every deck, or model that goes out is checked and vetted with extreme accuracy.
Where did the idea for the startup come from?
The idea came to me during my days as an investment banker. The analyst pool in investment banking is highly trained with high attention to detail. The outside world typically does not have access to such accuracy, as high salaries are prohibitive. We wanted to bring that service to companies at a cost-effective rate.
Did you have any concerns when starting your business, if so what were they?
Since we bootstrapped our business, making purchasing decisions were always stressful since we knew that mistakes were inevitable.
What is your business background, and what got you interested in startups?
I have two startups that I am working on (KeyInsite & Narinetwork), and I also serve on the Board of mindHive (Marketing mobile app company), and ID4A (3D printing startup). In addition, I am a guide at the Resolution Project. I am incredibly passionate about startups and have been a “cubiclepreneur” for all of my professional life.
I have more than ten years experience in the financial services industry, including seven years in the Healthcare, Private Equity Secondary Market, and Technology Investment Banking space at both UBS and Deutsche Bank, and have authored and published an economic thesis on “The Impact of Negative Economic News Coverage on Consumer Confidence”.
I graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Applied Economics and Management with Distinction in Honors Research, and completed my Masters in International Affairs (International Finance and Economic Policy) at Columbia University.
How did you initially raise funding for your company?
We started with $10,000 and bootstrapped the company through active projects.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
My greatest achievement has been our customer satisfaction. We have had great ratings and testimonials for our work done.
How have you kept your business relevant and engaged with your audience over the last three years?
Through constant research! We keep providing our customer base with monthly insights in their respective field. This has helped us stay in front of them as an enabling entity.
How long has your business been in making, and who is the team behind the business?
We soft launched in 2014, and for all of last year it was just myself. This year, I have had the privilege of hiring a Project Management Head and a Technology Lead
What has been your biggest challenge so far?
Hiring a passionate team is never easy. I believe that’s been a challenge over the last year, but something we have come to believe that we have overcome.
In the coming year, what would you like to achieve with your business?
We are really looking to break that seven figure sales benchmark!
What has been your most valuable lesson so far since starting your business?
I’ve learned how to be an effective leader and identify & utilize my team strengths.
Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking about starting a business, what would it be?
Bootstrap before raising funding. It gives perspective and is a strong reality check!
