Mean Guppy

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and founder of a new company called ZIYNX. I started this company because I wanted to help build a more diverse and inclusive workforce. However, recruitment tactics are outdated and still rely heavily on text-based resumes. I strongly felt that the system needed to change, so I reimagined the whole process. We’re now creating a two-sided marketplace to source diverse talent and connect athletes through our platform.

What challenge were you trying to address with Mean Guppy?

We wanted to build an application. We knew that video needed to be at the forefront of that model change to give people the opportunity to be seen and heard, not only scanned through resume systems.

What was the scope of their involvement?

Mean Guppy has done everything from creative development to production, even from a strategy perspective. In addition to the app itself, they’ve done UX/UI design and creative treatments for us. Also, they’ve reshaped our logo to make it more aligned with the brand we want to be and helped us storyboard videos. It’s been a full-service operation.

Initially, we had many discovery calls so they’d understand the path that we were trying to take. We had some other design work moderately completed, but they took it five steps further down the line and helped frame the product.

The app is for Android and iOS. We have a two-sided marketplace, so we’ve done a cross-platform where customers download the app and companies use a web platform that can be accessed from any browser.

What is the team composition?

They have a pretty big team. At any given point, there can be up to 50 people working on our project, and there are at least 10–15 representatives with different expertise that feed into the app’s development.

How did you come to work with Mean Guppy?

A head of product at a big organization referred them. After the first two calls, I knew right away. We were looking at a few options, but we had a good feeling. They presented their vision and how everything would roll out, including the timing and transparency of the cost. We’d also seen their work and thought it was world-class. Between the personal rapport that we felt, the game plan, and the referral, we decided to just go with Mean Guppy.

How much have you invested with them?

By the end of the MVP, it’ll be north of $500,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began our relationship in December 2020, and we plan to work with them for the foreseeable future. We already mapped out next year’s budget and the things that we’ll prioritize.

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We’re still in alpha/beta mode, so we don’t have hard, factual data yet. Nonetheless, we have a large group of athletes, and they’ve interacted and helped us test it. Overall, there has been a lot of positive feedback. Everyone loves it and has nothing but good compliments.

Personally, I find it very intuitive. Also, the design is sleek, which is critical to connecting with Gen Z.

How did Mean Guppy perform from a project management standpoint?

It’s been excellent. The communication flow is top-notch. They’ve hit every deadline and sometimes even exceeded them. If we have questions outside the blocks we have scheduled to speak with each other, they’re available at any given point. Their team is excellent to work with.

We jump on Google Hangouts and resume calls frequently, and we use EnVision to communicate feedback, asf for changes, and see the progress they’re making. Additionally, we have numerous documents on Google Sheets, so we have a lot of information flowing back and forth.

Essentially, Mean Guppy is an extension of us. We could all have the same email address, and it would be alright.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re extremely knowledgeable and reliable. They have some very talented people, and they all understand the different nuances of building an app for Apple and Android. They’re also well-versed in video technology and how to design and properly display content.

Moreover, they’re educated in space to give perspective before making decisions or moving forward on something. Then, once we lock and load those decisions, they do a fantastic job at hitting deadlines so we can build off what’s completed.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything right now.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Share your goals and be transparent about your financial situation. Also, communicate frequently and let them know what’s a priority and what would be nice to have.