TLDR:
- Startup Intro connects experts with novices for a fee, allowing access to venture capitalists, business leaders, and more for consultations.
- Experts set their rates, ranging from $79 for a 15-minute astrology session to $2,500 for a half-hour with a venture capitalist.
Intro, a startup backed by Alexis Ohanian, offers a platform where aspiring entrepreneurs can seek advice and mentorship from a variety of experts in various fields for a fee. Users can book sessions with venture capitalists, business leaders, design experts, and podcast hosts to obtain guidance on different aspects of their ventures. These experts set their rates, which can range from $79 for a 15-minute astrology reading with romance or career guidance to $2,500 for a 30-minute consultation with a venture capitalist. The platform aims to provide access to valuable insights and knowledge that may not be readily available to everyone, particularly those outside of Silicon Valley.
The founder and CEO of Intro, Raad Mobrem, was inspired to create the platform after receiving valuable advice from the founder of Kinko’s, Paul Orfalea. Since its launch, Intro has attracted over 1,200 experts offering their services on the platform. While some users have reported positive outcomes from their sessions, such as generating new ideas and strategies that led to increased revenue, others have expressed skepticism about the transactional nature of the platform and the limited time available for consultations.
Despite criticisms about the cost and authenticity of some experts on the platform, Intro continues to see a high demand, with a waitlist of 14,000 people applying to become consultants. The platform vets each applicant to ensure they are qualified experts in their respective fields before featuring them on the platform. Intro takes a commission from each booking, with some experts choosing to donate their proceeds to charity. Overall, Intro aims to provide a valuable resource for individuals seeking mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals, albeit at a premium price.
