Richard Crosfield's events app helps bars and pubs better communicate with their customers
While pursuing MBAs at London's Cass Business School, Richard Crosfield and Iñigo Alegria were faced with an overwhelming array of bars and pubs, with an even more impressive range of events and activities. What they lacked was a way to keep track of it all.Barzlive, Richard’s free, easy-to-use app, lets users immediately view events at bars around them, from happy hour to cabaret. Likewise, bars and pubs can post and promote their own events. There’s also a website for desktop users.
We talked to Richard about the story behind Barzlive, how Cass nurtures entrepreneurship and what his MBA did for him.
What gave you the idea to start Barzlive?
Being foreign students in London, my co-founder Iñigo and I realized how unaware we were of everything going on in the pubs and bars around us.
Not only were we missing out on televised sports and live music, we were also oblivious to more unorthodox activities, like poetry reading and dance classes.
With the support and advice Cass offered us, we decided to start Barzlive, and are now modernising communications between bars and their customers.
What are the main challenges you’ve faced with Barzlive, and do you have any advice for entrepreneurial MBAs?
Choosing the right development team was certainly a struggle. We initially made a mistake by hiring a freelancer, so his commitment was always going to be an issue. We also made poor decisions on the type of technology that would underpin Barzlive. Though we now have a brilliant CTO in Raul Martinez, Iñigo and I are only just eliminating that “technical debt”.
Even though MBAs can run a business, your development team fills a critical role, so make sure you find the right one.
Why did you decide to pursue an MBA at Cass?
I decided to move to London when the financial crisis happened in Spain. Even though I already had an engineering degree, I thought an MBA would be a better way to enter the job market.
Cass was being touted as the best one-year MBA in the city, and was very strong in finance and strategy, two tracks I wanted to explore. Additionally, it had an entrepreneurship fund and a start-up incubator, which I would later use to my advantage.
What should applicants take into consideration when deciding upon an MBA?
Consider realistically which career jumps you want to take with regards to change of role, industry, and country. After that, applicants should evaluate the school’s location, reputation and the length of program they want to do.
If applicants want to start a business, I’d recommend the one-year program because it offers the same intensity you will experience as an entrepreneur.
How have you profited from your MBA experience?
The MBA was a stepping stone to becoming an entrepreneur. In leaving Spain I had already overcome the worry of giving up a good job, and by being on a one-year program I could justify spending a second year putting into practice what I’d learned.
It gave me a fantastic overview of how a company works from top to bottom and an excellent network of colleagues, staff and alumni. And, of course, I met Iñigo at Cass and we wrote the thesis for what would later become Barzlive.
As Cass alumni, we were given access to free space and mentorship at their incubator. We were also invited to weekly start-up related lectures organised by City’s partnership with media company Unruly.
What are your plans for the future?
We currently have a pipeline of features that we would like to introduce in the coming months to boost engagement with Barzlive. In addition, we’ll be seeking investment to hire more people so that we can realise our ambitious plans.
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Best Journalism school in Europe
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The best university I’ve been to
The campus and the people I've met have made it a wonderful experience. I was reared in a small town with a graduating class of only 88 individuals, so moving to City University was a huge adjustment for me. My dorm has more residents than my whole high school combined! I enjoy the atmosphere here, and everyone is so friendly. Outstanding academic options and a stunning campus. Really great from beginning to end. The educators genuinely love what they do, and the students are ready to learn. On or around college, there is always something to do with friends, and the social scene is particularly warm.
Bayes Business School
As a student at City university attending Bayes Business School I would totally recommend choosing this university as the experience is exceptional with great social networking opportunities . Professors are significantly helpful, delivering with excellence and professionalism. Everyone is happy to help and make you feel welcomed in such an esteem university as City, offering exceptional development and guidance through out the course.
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My time at City University London was truly transformative. The university's vibrant community and diverse extracurricular activities allowed me to forge lifelong friendships and professional connections that extend beyond the classroom. I was impressed by the university's commitment to academic rigor, character development, and personal growth, which created an ideal environment for me to reach my full potential. The research-driven and industry-relevant curriculum provided me with a solid foundation in international business, while the dedicated faculty and staff offered invaluable guidance and support. I feel grateful for the well-rounded education and holistic experience that City University London offered, preparing me for success in my career and beyond.
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At the University of London, I have experienced dynamic and diverse academic environment where I was challenged by rigorous coursework. You will have the flexibility to choose from the wide range of courses, participate in numerous extra-curricular activities and take advantage of the many opportunities
