To celebrate 2Sway’s launch, we chatted to Finn about the new app, how the idea came about, and what it’s like juggling uni work with your first tech startup as part of an all-student team. Fancy making your night at LUU even more affordable? Simply download 2Sway from the app store to get started.
Tell us about 2Sway in a nutshell – what can users expect?
Being a student-led app, 2Sway has been all about building something we would be excited to use ourselves. In a nutshell, 2Sway is about bringing students unmissable discounts for sharing some of their favourite restaurants, bars & clubs in Leeds.
How did you come up with the idea? Was there anything in particular that inspired you?
My Co-Founder Ryan [a student at another university] and I noticed that it’s super common for students to share their different experiences in hospitality businesses, whether they were out for a meal or clubbing with their mates. We didn’t feel it was fair that, in essence, this was completely free exposure for businesses, which we believed at scale, was very influential. By rewarding students for what they already do, we have been able to offer bigger student discounts than any other app.
Did you always plan to enter this space, or was it these problems you identified that led you to decide to launch an app?
Growing up in a generation overwhelmed by targeted content, we were becoming increasingly aware of how switched off students were becoming to the large majority of digital advertising. Ulterior motives and disingenuous messages are so frequent in targeted ads and influencer marketing, and we felt that this was the root cause of the issue. Our goal was to build an app that championed authenticity & sharing the places students genuinely like and go to.
When you’re not coming up with innovative app ideas, the team are all students – how has it been juggling this venture with uni work and student life more generally?
I would be lying if I said this wasn’t the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Juggling Uni life and trying to build a startup has definitely forced me to be more efficient, so emails are sometimes written in pub toilets & one too many evenings have been spent in Eddy B. One thing that’s become apparent to me is that if something is important enough to you, you will make the time for it. 2Sway was a tiny little idea that my best mate and I had over lockdown, and it has turned into something that I’m so passionate about.
For me, 2Sway has been about becoming adept at solving problems; there have been countless times when we have felt completely helpless and that this dream of ours was over. But time and time again, solutions always come – once this had happened enough times, we eventually realised that there was a solution for every problem we would come across, as long as we stayed resilient. We have big plans for 2Sway’s future, with every change and improvement revolving around how we can benefit students.
LUU is one of the venues working with 2Sway on your trial launch – how has it been working with your own students’ union?
LUU has been fantastic. It’s been interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes and the people that bring it to life. I’m grateful for their trust and belief in what we’re doing at 2Sway.
Start saving with 2Sway at Terrace and Old Bar from Friday 4 February.
