{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/64c1fb4a8e16bd00116ffd75/6609ec373207c300178f99d5?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"29 | 🔥 The Startup That Broke All The Rules — And Sold for Millions Without Investors! 💥💸 with Alexis Bowen (Elsewhere.io by Lonely Planet)","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/64c1fb4a8e16bd00116ffd75/1713554719987-fe323a246af55802caf8fbdcbd4c8342.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>Alexis Bowen is the co-founder of Elsewhere.io, a travel marketplace acquired by Lonely Planet in 2022.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of Good Revenue, host Neeta Bidwai and Alexis cover:</p><ul><li>Elsewhere’s rapid development and sale within a year during the COVID-19 pandemic (the company connects travelers directly with local travel agencies to plan and book international trips).</li><li>Insights on the challenges of launching a startup during a pandemic.</li><li>The company’s unique approach to branding and product development, which led to early profitability without external investments.</li><li>Strategic use of partnerships and influencer marketing to gain traction.</li><li>How the exit strategy &amp; decision to sell to Lonely Planet evolved so quickly, including the emotional and business considerations behind the move.</li><li>Alexis emphasizes the importance of compelling storytelling and an all-in culture in building a successful business.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>_</p><p>Where to find Alexis:</p><p><a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-bowen-9ba18423/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-bowen-9ba18423/</a></p><p><br></p><p>Where to find Neeta:</p><p><a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetabidwai/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetabidwai/</a>&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Where to find Good Revenue:</p><p><a href=\"https://goodrevenue.io/goodrevenue\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://goodrevenue.io/goodrevenue</a>&nbsp;</p><p><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHrhuWbpYnUwrR75H2Ip4yQ\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHrhuWbpYnUwrR75H2Ip4yQ</a>&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>_</p><p>Highlights:</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome</p><p>00:30 The Journey of Elsewhere.io</p><p>00:39 Building a Marketplace Model</p><p>02:12 Starting During the Pandemic</p><p>05:22 Bootstrapping to Success</p><p>13:39 Marketing Strategies and PR Hustle</p><p>17:33 Decision to Sell and M&amp;A Process</p><p>23:02 Integration and Final Thoughts</p><p><br></p><p>_</p><p>Referenced:</p><p>• <a href=\"http://Elsewhere.io\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Elsewhere.io</a>: <a href=\"https://www.elsewhere.io/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.elsewhere.io/</a></p><p>• Lonely Planet: <a href=\"https://www.lonelyplanet.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.lonelyplanet.com/</a>&nbsp;</p>","author_name":"Neeta Bidwai"}