Jambo: The social networking app for travelers

Jambo App

Last year, Laura Stembridge left a lucrative consulting job to become a world traveler, trekking through Southeast Asia mostly on her own. The London-based WeWork Moorgate member recalls feeling lonely at times, wishing that she had a way to meet new people along the way.

Find People To Travel With

It was during this journey that she came up with the idea for Jambo, an app that takes its name from the Swahili word for “hello.” Jambo connects users with other travelers in their area—for sightseeing, grabbing a bite to eat, or just hanging out. Its “swipe-left/swipe-right” feature allows them to decide who they meet.

As she gears up for the app’s release in September, Stembridge discusses her role models, what it’s like to transition between careers, and the impact she wants Jambo to have on an increasingly connected world.

WeWork: What pushed you from the corporate to the startup world?

Stembridge: Some may say that I was really fortunate to relocate to London for work and travel to great cities like New York, Toronto, and Dubai. The truth is, relocation and business travel can both be very lonely experiences. You want to explore new places and experience new cultures, but it’s not fun going alone. I adopted the work-hard, play-hard lifestyle that many young professionals go in search of, but after burning the candle at both ends, I soon realized it wasn’t sustainable. I craved a work-life balance, so I took a four-month career break between jobs. Jambo was born during this period.

I spent all my free time working on the concept, whilst holding down a full-time job. I got the business to a point where it needed my full attention. The feedback we were getting was amazing. I didn’t want to sit in a corporate office anymore. I wanted to be working on my startup. I was learning so much, and meeting amazing people. It’s not something that you can really do in big companies because they’re so process-driven. I soon realized that I couldn’t do both; it was one or the other. I just thought, “If I don’t do this now, I never will.” It’s been two months into the journey, and I haven’t looked back once.

Jambo: The Social Networking App for Travelers Laura Stembridge

WeWork: What’s the most challenging aspect of building a social networking app?

Stembridge: Aside from the obvious talent issues that a lot of startups face, the biggest challenge has been nailing our proposition—there are a lot of social networks out there. We’ve had to be really clever in finding the right words and imagery for Jambo to pitch it in the right light. Feedback has been positive, so I think we’ve been successful.

WeWork: Where do you see your company in the next few years?

Stembridge: I would love for Jambo to solve the business travel and relocation problem, and to make people’s experiences more social. We want to connect people with places and each other, in cities around the world. I imagine that will involve having localized teams or satellite offices, but we’ll see. I am really excited to see what the future holds. I have really big plans for Jambo, most of which I am keeping close to my chest for now!

WeWork: Who do you consider to be your entrepreneurial role model, and why?

Stembridge: She’s not really known for her entrepreneurial skills, but Dame Kelly Holmes. Out of the sporting spotlight, Kelly has gone on to set up a number of businesses and initiatives. She turns everything she touches into a success! She’s able to convince the most pessimistic of people that things are a great idea—she’s driven and ambitious, both on and off the track.

WeWork: What’s an average day like for you?

Stembridge: Busy! My friends all think I’m on an extended holiday, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I often wear five different hats a day. It’s totally manic, but in a good way. London has a tube strike today, so I’m working from home. In the quest for work-life balance, I took a couple of hours out to go waterskiing this morning—a very rare occasion, but a lovely treat!

WeWork: What gets you out of bed every morning?

Stembridge: The knowledge that we will be one step closer to launching the app, and the excitement of meeting new people. I love being a part of a co-working space. Every day, I encounter new, interesting people and learn from them.

WeWork: What’s your favorite drink to start and end the day?

Stembridge: I always start the day with a glass of water and a glass of fruit juice. I’m not a tea or coffee drinker at all. Sugar is my equivalent of caffeine. To end the day—well, that depends on how social the evening is!

Photo credit: Oscar May

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