fbpx ...

Interview With Founders of Middle East Start Up Wepul

Created: Aug 16, 2014

Updated: Jun 19, 2024

At GO Gulf we support entrepreneurship and encourage startups that have potential to solve problems of their target audience . We keep an eye on start up world in Middle East and recently published a post titled - "18 Middle East Startups You Should Know About". Based on feedback we received from our readers, we decided to contact these start-up founders and asked them the questions that can help and inspire our future entrepreneurs.

We are glad to announce that go-globe has recently received an opportunity to interview - Mark and Seb, founders of Wepul.  Wepul is a Middle East based start-up that helps people to swap their skills and get the work done for free.

 

About the founders

Seb - A German born in France that grew-up in Canada. Software engineer at heart with entrepreneurial blood. Transfixed by perfection, how things work and a flare for the why of things. Dedicated to making the world a better place.

Mark - A 12,418 day old designer from the UK. Voice-over enthusiast, skateboard riding, helicopter flying, beatbox trying serial hobbyist. Here is an interesting question - What pursuit is more valuable? Understanding how our brain works or understanding how the universe works?

How did the idea of Wepul Came to your mind.

Basically, it was a combination of Mark and I both trying to solve our individual problems. I was working in the UK and decided to have a go at entrepreneurial life. I quickly realized that, although I was good at my own craft, I knew nothing about how to run a business. Being strapped for cash, I realized that I would needed to find people who were in similar situations and could trade expertise. Mark meanwhile was trying to 1) learn how to ride a skateboard, 2) learn how to set up his fishtank and 3) find someone to visit a campsite for him in Italy, but had no know avenues to find such individuals.

What were the main challenges that you faced during launching your startup.

As far as WEPUL's concerned, the biggest challenge has probably been a combination of not enough hours in the day with family, work and extra-curricular draws and then understanding when something is just good enough to be shipped.

How did you fund your startup.

It's currently being funded out of pocket. Mark and I manage to run the business on as little as 10 dollars a month. It's amazing how many free products are available for dot.com business today.

Main marketing techniques that you are using to increase the awareness about your brand.

We rely heavily on great people like you. We've come to realize that if you have something worth talking about, people will write about it. We don't have a marketing budget and have still managed to get published in high profile magazines like What'sOn and TimeOut Dubai, purely based on the cause we are trying to push forward. That being said, we've recently received a cash injection after winning a crowdfunded start-up pitch at Impact Hub which we plan to use on a two day marketing event where everyone in Dubai can come, for free, and learn some amazing new skills.

The role of social media in promoting your startup.

We aren't really using social media all that much to be honest. We do have a Facebook fan page and twitter profile in which we showcase cool new skills and favours that have been added. That being said, we ask all users to register using their social media accounts. This gives us the opportunity to provide a nicer and more personal experience for our users.

Top 3 mistakes that you had made while working on Wepul.

1. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you’ll just get a bazillion users and then make money. Have a strategy off the bat.

2. Make sure everyone involved is on the same page. When things get tough, you want everyone to have the same level of commitment.

3. Know when things are good enough to ship so that you can start testing assumptions. Don't wait until it's perfect before launching.

Top 3 tips that you would like to give future entrepreneurs from Middle East.

1. An idea is worth is nothing. Execution is what matters

2. Don’t get overwhelmed with “setting up” the business. You don’t need a BA in accounting, marketing or law. Figuring out how you’re going to scale to a million users is a great problem to have when you get there. Just concentrate on what you’re going to provide to your customers.

3. Be prepared to be wrong. Validate your assumptions and if your wrong get over it. Pivot and get back on track.

GO Gulf team would like to thank Mark and Seb for their precious time. If you have any other questions for Mark and Seb, Please feel free to ask them in comments below. You can also like Wepul on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

Subscribe & Stay Ahead

Corporate News
Articles & Infographics
Ready for E-Commerce? We've Got You Covered!

Click, Shop, Win - E-Commerce Begins

  • Super fast SSD Hosting
  • Flexible Data Storage, Scalable Architecture
  • Optimised Database Management
  • Content Caching & Load Balancing
  • Responsive & Compelling Design
  • Fast Loading Speed
  • Analytics and Tracking
  • SEO Optimised & Multi-Language Support
Let's E-Commerce
Hot tips for success!

Unlock the Secrets: Explore Our Blog Today!

  • Expert insights
  • Industry trends
  • Practical tips and guides
  • Case studies
  • Website & Software optimization
  • Online marketing strategies
  • E-commerce tips
  • Industry best practices
Ignite Your Mind
All Complimentary Services Unleashed!

Happy Birthday! Get 5 hours gift today

  • Consultation for improving your online business
  • Plugins + versions updates & Maintenance
  • Competition online benchmarks
  • Competitors deep analysis
  • Web content updates
  • Enhance site speed for performance
  • Technical Troubleshooting
  • Streamline content management.
Yes, Let me Get my Gift
Your Go-To Support, Your Pit Stop Comfort

24/7 we strive, keeping your business alive!

  • Client conversion
  • Performance Optimization
  • Marketing & Sales
  • Competitors Analysis
  • Technical support 24/7
  • Plugins, version updates and maintenance
  • Graphics update and Content writing
  • New Functionalities, Forms, etc.
Get Support Now
Refer and gain, the rewards will sustain!

Refer and Get 20% Cash!

  • Bring business to your employer, Get Rewarded!
  • Share your referral link or code on social media platforms
  • Inform your contacts, highlighting the referral program
  • Share our service with friends and family
  • We get 40,000 you get 8,000 🙂
  • Unlimited earning potential
  • Engage with relevant online communities
  • Identify Key Decision-Maker & Focus on ROI
Start Cashing
Not Just a shop, it is...

GO Ecommerce - Live 24/7 Support

  • Super fast SSD Hosting
  • Flexible Data Storage, Scalable Architecture
  • Optimised Database Management
  • Content Caching & Load Balancing
  • Responsive & Compelling Design
  • Fast Loading Speed
  • Analytics and Tracking
  • SEO Optimised & Multi-Language Support
Let's E-Commerce
complimentary plan for your business

Unlock Success - Business Plan Express!

  • Our Plan Provides Clear Direction
  • Identifies Strengths and Weaknesses
  • Attracts Investors
  • Enhances Decision-making
  • Identifies Target Market
  • Assesses Market Viability
  • Explores Expansion Opportunities
  • Supports Effective Resource Allocation
Lets Plan Together
Drive Traffic, Increase Visibility, Dominate Search Rankings

Elevate Your Online Presence with SEO

  • Guaranteed 1st page Confirm
  • PR Articles and Advertising
  • On page SEO — Website Optimization
  • Off page SEO — Link building
  • Keywords Research and Monitoring
  • 365 Days Support
  • Deep competitor analysis
  • The 1st page in Google guaranteed
Boost your business now
Online Super Tools for your success

Surpass Expectations, Surpass Competition!

  • Identify your top competitors
  • Know your competitors strategies
  • Know their keywords, backlinks, and rankings
  • Real time comprehensive Analysis
  • Discover their high-performing keyword goals
  • Get their opportunities and strategies
  • Compare your rankings against competitors
  • Increase website authority and credibility and profit
Signup & GO-Top
online Competition Report & analysis

Outsmart, Outanalyze, Outperform!

  • Thorough competitor analysis
  • Uncover strategies and tactics
  • Identify opportunities and threats
  • Gain a competitive edge
  • In-depth profiling and benchmarking
  • Strategic insights for growth
  • Informed decisions with intelligence
  • Elevate market positioning, profitability
Get Free Analysis Now!
web & app hosting for your business

Power of Lightning, Ultra Fast Hosting

  • FREE Setup Cost, SSL
  • Data Center in Germany, Hong Kong, KSA, UAE
  • 24/7/365 Site Monitoring + Premium Support
  • Daily Site Back Ups
  • E-Commerce Ready
  • 99.99% Uptime Guaranteed
  • Highly Secure, Fast and Reliable
  • SSD + State of The Art Processors
Sale 36% Now!

Get a Quick Call Back


    hello world!

    Blog Partners

    © 2005 - 2025 GO-Globe ™ | CUSTOM DEVELOPMENT. All rights reserved.
    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
    Int'l. Web Design
    Int'l. SEO
    Int'l. Ecommerce
    Solutions