Serial entrepreneur and technophile Brian Rider has always been perpetually curious and, by nature, is a "starter." While in college, Rider founded
DigitalWingman and recently has been a driving force with
Techtivity.org.Rider's latest venture,
TownBit.com, takes his talent and curiosity in a new direction as he seeks to create an online community where people can discover locally owned, neighborhood places to eat, shop and socialize and the people behind them "bit by bit" -- but with a twist.
At its core, the site is designed to collect stories from the perspectives of both the founders and the customers. Rider explains that, initially, his interest was in "how places got started and the people that started them, especially the obstacles overcome and sacrifices made by the founders."
Rider says the site will work on several levels. First is the founder's story, as told by the founder. The next level involves customers' personal stories about the specific venue. Finally, the site will provide dynamic "bits of live information" that will help "visually" identify where lively and interesting events are happening.
Although initially focusing on the Eastown Neighborhood, Rider has ambitious plans to grow geographically and add more functions including a "three letter identifier" that store owners can post in their establishment to facilitate usage of the site.
"Groupon's original purpose was to help people experience their town; this site will give Groupon a run for its money," says Rider.
To learn more about TownBit.com, you can visit their site
here. Business owners interested in getting a page set up can send their contact info to
[email protected].
Source: Brian Rider, TownBit.com
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs Editor
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