HBCU Founders Accelerator Spring 2023 Cohort Spotlight: Meet D’Angelo Senat from AllPeep
In April, we launched the first cohort of the HBCU Founders Accelerator Program. Over the next several weeks, we’re thrilled to spotlight each of the teams, their founders, and their remarkable journeys. To kick things off, meet D’Angelo Senat from AllPeep!
Can you tell us a little about your background and what inspired your entrepreneurial journey?
My entrepreneurial journey was inspired by a strong desire to open doors for those who have lost hope. Witnessing the struggles of individuals in my inner-city upbringing, I saw many succumb to negative influences due to a lack of leadership and positive role models. This motivated me to become a beacon of hope and provide resources and opportunities to those in need.
I firmly believe that a successful entrepreneurial journey can serve as a platform to empower others. By demonstrating the values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, I aim to show my peers that they can overcome their circumstances and achieve success, regardless of their environment. I want to break the cycle of being limited by one's surroundings and prove that anyone can shape their own destiny.
As a reputable and results-driven founder, I am committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. By providing hope, access to resources, and inspiring leadership, I strive to create opportunities where there were none before. My background and personal experiences have shaped my entrepreneurial path, driving me to make a difference and help others realize their full potential.
By combining my passion for entrepreneurship with a mission to uplift and empower individuals, I believe that AllPeep can truly make a lasting and positive impact on communities and society as a whole. Through our innovative solutions, we aim to not only revolutionize the way brands engage with their communities but also contribute to the greater goal of creating equal opportunities and fostering success for all. Together, we can create a future where every individual has a chance to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.
Prior to founding AllPeep, I co-founded an online influencer marketplace called Runwae, which facilitated agreements between brands and influencers. Our aim was to provide brands with a more affordable way to market their products on social media, as traditional social media advertising was often too expensive.
Through my journey at Runwae, I realized that brands and their customers form a social network that is essential for success. I founded AllPeep, known as The Brands Network, to address the social dilemma faced by brands. AllPeep empowers brands to create their unique social network experience, enabling them to better understand their customers and effectively engage on traditional social media platforms.
What problem is your startup solving and what sets AllPeep apart from competitors in the industry?
AllPeep addresses the issue of social media platforms eroding brand equity by owning and controlling brands' community data. Current social media platforms force brands to pay to reach their community through social media ads, resulting in higher Customer Acquisition Costs (CAC) and lower Lifetime Value (LTV) as customers' engagement data remains the property of the platform. Additionally, disruptive individuals can create questionable content, which social media platforms can present next to a brand at their discretion.
To solve this problem, AllPeep empowers brands to nurture their community without relinquishing ownership of their social graph or building a solution from scratch. By using open-source technology supported by a large developer community, AllPeep can build social networks faster, cheaper, and better than alternative solutions. Unlike our competitors who are building proprietary platforms, AllPeep offers brands access to distributed web 3.0 technology and its rapidly growing user base while providing a fully-integrated social network experience within our platform.
By utilizing our solution, brands can regain control over their community data, ensuring stronger brand equity and direct engagement with their audience. With AllPeep, brands can bypass the limitations and uncertainties imposed by existing social media platforms, allowing for more cost-effective customer acquisition and the ability to curate a brand-safe environment for their content.
We are excited to offer this unique value proposition to brands, empowering them to build and foster thriving communities while harnessing the benefits of web 3.0 technology.
What inspired you to start your company?
AllPeep was born out of my determination to empower brands of all sizes and give them control over their community data. We aim to solve the problem of organizations struggling to measure the value of their community and connect it to their customer data. We want to put an end to the one-sided relationship between social media platforms and brands.
These platforms force users to view ads before accessing the content they actually want while using their personal data to target them with advertisements. This undermines the brands with smaller marketing budgets, as they are overshadowed by competitors with larger budgets. It became clear to me that we were all being used, with these platforms making billions off our data while we lacked control over our own communities.
Studies have shown that only about one-third of brands effectively link their community data with customer data, limiting their ability to leverage community engagement. Social media platforms exacerbate the problem by owning and controlling brand community data, monetizing it without proper permission or compensation to the brands.
As a result, brands face high Customer Acquisition Costs (CAC) and struggle to access and control their community data, relying heavily on social media advertising. Our mission at AllPeep is to give brands back their control, enabling them to build stronger customer relationships and reduce CAC.
D’Angelo Senat at the HBCU Founders Accelerator Spring 2023 Cohort Kickoff Reception in Atlanta, April 26, 2023.
By providing brands with a platform that prioritizes their ownership and control over community data, we aim to level the playing field and empower businesses of all sizes to thrive in the social media landscape. Our goal is to foster a decentralized and inclusive environment where brands can connect with their customers authentically, while also protecting user privacy.
At AllPeep, we believe that brands deserve the right to fully own and leverage their community data. We envision a future where brands have the tools and insights to measure the value of their communities, create personalized experiences for their customers, and build long-lasting relationships.
D’Angelo Senat at the HBCU Founders Accelerator Spring 2023 Cohort Kickoff Reception in Atlanta, April 26, 2023.
What challenges did you face during the early stages of building AllPeep and how did you overcome them?
One of the significant challenges I faced was raising enough funding to work on AllPeep full-time. I focused on building authentic relationships through my previous startup and volunteered my time to help my mentors with various tasks. This dedication and commitment resulted in numerous warm introductions when I specifically asked for the opportunity to pitch and explained my situation as a full-time startup founder. Through these introductions, I made progress and eventually transitioned from my day job as an industrial engineer at an aerospace company to pursue AllPeep full-time.
Can you discuss any significant pivots or strategic decisions that have had a major impact on the company's trajectory?
Yes, offering equity to grow my team has been a game-changer. As a founder, trusting and bringing co-founders on board to help fulfill the vision and grow the company can be challenging. However, looking back, taking that risk and decisive action has proven to be immensely rewarding. It has not only fueled significant growth but has also unlocked a vast amount of potential for AllPeep's journey.
Since expanding our team, we have witnessed remarkable traction in various aspects of our business. We now have a solid base of paying customers, and our ability to negotiate with enterprise travel brands and luxury brands has improved substantially. These achievements, coupled with our dedication to excellence, have resulted in a notable increase in our company's valuation. The decision to offer equity to talented individuals who share our passion and drive has undoubtedly propelled AllPeep to new heights.
Looking ahead, we are excited to continue building upon this momentum, leveraging the expertise and unique perspectives that our co-founders bring to the table. Together, we are confident in our ability to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and chart a prosperous path for AllPeep's future.
We imagine that building AllPeep was not easy, what were some roadblocks that you faced, and how did you overcome them?
A roadblock we encountered was the dominance of social media platforms in controlling brand community data. These platforms capitalized on the data generated by brand communities without providing sufficient control or compensation to the brands themselves. This hindered brands' ability to build meaningful customer relationships and led to increased customer acquisition costs.
To address this challenge, we created a platform that prioritizes brand ownership and control over community data. We emphasized data privacy and provided brands with the tools and resources to leverage their community engagement without relying solely on social media platforms. By empowering brands with greater control and ownership, we aimed to reduce their dependence on costly social media advertising and improve their overall customer relationship management.
What are your future plans for your startup and how do you see it impacting your community?
Our future plans for AllPeep involve expanding our platform's capabilities and reaching a wider audience of brands and users. We aim to empower more businesses to build their own successful online communities and establish stronger connections with their customers. By providing a solution that allows brands to regain control over their community data and engage directly with their audience, we believe AllPeep can have a significant impact on the way brands interact with their communities, leading to more authentic and meaningful relationships. We envision AllPeep becoming a leading platform in the industry, fostering a decentralized and inclusive social media landscape.
Can you discuss any ethical or social responsibility initiatives that AllPeep is actively engaged in?
We actively promote inclusivity, diversity, and fairness within our platform and encourage our brand partners to embrace these values. We aim to create a safe and supportive environment for all community members, fostering positive interactions and meaningful connections.
Where do you see your company in 5 years? What impact do you hope to have?
In five years, we envision AllPeep as a leading platform for brands to build and nurture their online communities, so they can interact with all business functions, from marketing to customer service. We aim to have a strong presence in various industries, empowering a diverse range of businesses to connect with their target audience and drive growth. We hope that AllPeep will contribute to a more decentralized and inclusive social media landscape, where brands have more control over their community data and people have a more personalized and engaging online experience. Ultimately, we strive to make a positive impact on the way brands and communities interact, fostering authentic connections and driving meaningful engagement.
How has your experience influenced your approach to entrepreneurship?
My background in Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management has instilled in me a passion for efficiency and finding optimal solutions. This mindset has influenced my approach to entrepreneurship, as I strive to create streamlined and effective strategies for AllPeep's growth. Additionally, my experience in community management and marketing has taught me the importance of building genuine relationships and understanding the needs of both brands and their communities. I bring these insights into my role as a founder, aiming to provide valuable solutions that address real challenges in the industry.
With an undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, my ultimate goal is to serve others and eliminate wastefulness through efficient solutions. With over 7 years of experience in community management, marketing, and continuous improvement, I am dedicated to helping businesses succeed.
I co-founded AllPeep to solve critical community challenges from a software perspective. Our vision at AllPeep is to create a world where communities can form around brands and interests without being held hostage by centralized social media conglomerates. I am leveraging my skills and experience to provide brands with an embedded social network that enables them to build successful online communities and drive revenue.
My personal goal is to serve others, just as others have done for me. I am committed to helping businesses connect with their customers and reach their full potential. I invite you to learn more about AllPeep and see how we can help your business or the businesses you support to succeed.
How do you prioritize and balance your time and responsibilities as a founder?
As a founder, prioritization and balance are crucial. I prioritize tasks based on their urgency, importance, and alignment with our long-term goals. I create a clear roadmap and set specific objectives to guide my decision-making process. Delegating responsibilities and building a strong team has also helped me manage the workload effectively. Additionally, I maintain a healthy work-life balance by setting boundaries and allocating time for personal well-being. Regularly reviewing and adjusting priorities ensures that I stay focused on the most critical aspects of growing the business.
What led you to become interested in Nex Cubed?
The network, one of the challenging things that founders experience is getting in the right rooms, and being introduced to the individuals that can help us progress and accelerate our growth as a startup. We believe that Nex Cubed has access to the rooms and individuals that the average startup is missing.
What Nex Cubed resources or programs do you believe will be most helpful to you in launching your startup?
The Nex Cubed network and warm introductions to key individuals are the resources we believe will be most valuable for AllPeep. As a startup, gaining access to the right rooms and connecting with influential industry professionals can significantly accelerate our growth. We are excited about the opportunities to collaborate, learn from experienced mentors, and leverage the resources offered by Nex Cubed to propel AllPeep forward.
What advice do you have for other diverse entrepreneurs?
My advice to fellow entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds is to embrace your unique perspective and experiences as strengths. Be resilient and persistent in pursuing your goals, even when faced with challenges. Seek out mentors and support networks that can provide guidance and opportunities for growth. Remember that diversity drives innovation, and your unique voice can make a lasting impact in the entrepreneurial landscape.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a startup founder so far?
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned as a startup founder is the importance of resilience and perseverance. Building a startup is a challenging journey filled with ups and downs. It's crucial to stay committed to your vision, even when faced with obstacles or setbacks. Embracing failures as learning opportunities and having the determination to push forward has been instrumental in overcoming challenges and achieving growth.
Are there any specific lessons or insights you've gained throughout your journey as a founder that you'd like to share?
Throughout my journey as a founder, I've learned the power of building authentic relationships and seeking guidance from mentors and industry experts. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network can provide valuable insights, help overcome obstacles, and open doors to new opportunities. Additionally, staying adaptable and open to feedback is essential for continuous improvement. Finally, embracing innovation and constantly challenging the status quo has been key to staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to make their mark in the industry?
My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to believe in yourself and your vision. Be prepared for challenges and setbacks, but stay resilient and focused. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors and peers who can provide guidance and share their experiences. Embrace continuous learning and seek opportunities for personal and professional growth. Finally, never underestimate the power of perseverance and hard work.
What advice would you give to other HBCU entrepreneurs who are fundraising?
For other HBCU entrepreneurs who are fundraising, I would advise leveraging the resources available within the HBCU community. HBCU alumni networks, entrepreneurship centers, and industry-specific programs can provide valuable connections and access to potential investors. Additionally, crafting a compelling and well-researched business plan, showcasing your unique value proposition, and demonstrating traction or potential for growth are essential when pitching to investors. Seek mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs who can guide you through the investment process and help refine your pitch.
Where can readers/listeners/viewers learn more about your business?
Instagram: @allpeep_
Twitter: @allpeep_
LinkedIn: AllPeep
ActivityPub: @peeps@allpeep.social (https://allpeep.social/@peeps)
We also have a website where you can find more information about our platform and its capabilities: www.allpeep.com.