Introducing Kyle from Traverse
Q: Can you introduce yourself and Traverse Software?
A: I’m Kyle Killion, the founder of Traverse Software. We cater primarily to small to mid-sized hotel groups, often those owning multiple hotels in a particular destination, such as several in Nashville and some in Chicago. Our platform enables these hotel groups to directly compete with giants like Expedia and Booking.com, helping them attract more customers directly.
Our main focus is on enhancing hotels’ visibility on Google, which is a significant driver of traffic. We assist in optimizing Google Hotel Ads and improving organic search results, effectively acting as a behind-the-scenes force in driving direct bookings to hotel websites. While we do support hotels in maintaining their presence on platforms like Expedia and Booking.com, our goal is to empower them to gain more direct customer engagements. This approach allows hotels to gather comprehensive customer insights ahead of their stay, ultimately enhancing the guest experience.
Q: Does your platform also cater to Airbnb and other accommodation types?
A: While our primary focus is on hotels, the boundary between vacation rentals and hotels is becoming increasingly blurred. We accommodate this by enabling hotels to list on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, recognizing that a significant segment of consumers seeks hotel accommodations through these sites. Our software streamlines communication between hotels and customers on these platforms, overcoming the traditional barriers hotels face in adapting to such digital-first interactions. Ultimately, we aim to ensure hotels provide the high level of service they’re known for, directly to their guests, bridging the gap between traditional and modern booking channels.
Q: What inspired the creation of Traverse Software?
A: The inspiration for Traverse stemmed from my previous work with a company called Suiteness, which specialized in optimizing hotel suites and connecting rooms, notably for brands like Hilton. We spent years collecting data and addressing specific hotel needs, gaining deep insights into the industry’s challenges. The advent of the global pandemic significantly impacted the hotel sector, prompting us to seek new ways to support hotels. This period led to the integration of Airbnb and Vrbo distribution into our services, responding to the emerging needs of our clients.
My co-founder, Blair, who brought extensive experience from leading roles at major hotel chains like the Venetian, MGM, and Caesars, played a pivotal role in this evolution. Her expertise in the hotel industry, combined with our technological solutions, created a perfect synergy. Despite the constraints of existing systems within the hotels she managed, Blair’s collaboration with us over the years on various technology challenges laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Traverse Software.
Our decision to partner and develop a comprehensive product was driven by a shared vision to serve the small to mid-sized hotel groups that desperately needed innovative solutions. These groups, which are not as large as the Hiltons and Hyatts but more extensive than individual hotels, were our target audience. By leveraging the insights and tools we had developed over time, we aimed to create a platform that could significantly impact this segment, addressing their unique needs and challenges.
Why Skydeck?
Q: How did you get involved with Skydeck?
A: Our connection to Skydeck began quite serendipitously. A previous co-founder of mine was applying for the program, and during a routine reference check, I had a conversation with Chon from Skydeck. I was immediately impressed by his ability to deeply understand and engage with our problem space. It was clear from the start that Chon had a unique talent for quickly grasping the nuances of a challenge and identifying potential solutions. This initial interaction planted the seed for my desire to work with him and eventually led us to apply to Skydeck when we were transitioning to our work with Traverse.
Q: What was the application like?
A: Our first application to Skydeck was not successful. Chon’s feedback was that he couldn’t grasp the problem we were aiming to solve or why we were the right team to tackle it. This rejection was a pivotal moment for us, prompting a period of reflection and refinement of our approach. After regrouping and reevaluating our strategy, we reapplied six months later. Despite a second rejection, Chon saw potential in us and offered to dive deeper into our project through a Zoom call. This guidance was instrumental in refining our vision and approach.
On our third attempt, armed with insights gained from our discussions with Chon, we were accepted into the program. This process of iteration and feedback underscored the importance of persistence and the value of external perspectives in refining our business model. Chon’s belief in our founder-market fit, despite initial misgivings about our approach, was a testament to the potential he saw in us. His analogy of Michelangelo seeing the statue within the marble perfectly encapsulates our journey through Skydeck — a process of removing the excess to reveal the core value of our proposition. This experience was transformative, highlighting the critical role of continuous improvement and the impact of dedicated mentorship in the startup ecosystem.
Inside Skydeck’s Program
Q: How does Skydeck’s program operate once you’re accepted?
A: It combines traditional incubator benefits with a strong curriculum and faculty support, reminiscent of a college experience. This educational foundation is one of Skydeck’s unique aspects, providing a comprehensive learning environment for startups.
Q: What was the program structure?
A: The program is structured to offer a blend of academic learning and practical business building. While it maintains a studious atmosphere, it doesn’t neglect the hands-on aspects necessary for startup development. Skydeck operates two parallel paths: the SkyDeck Fund, focusing on the incubator experience, and the SkyDeck program, where academic learning takes place. This dual approach ensures that participants not only receive foundational knowledge but also apply these learnings directly to their startups.
The balance between academic rigor and practical application is what sets Skydeck apart. For us, it was an opportunity for level-setting, particularly given the diverse backgrounds of our team members. The program helped bridge the gap between different perspectives, ensuring that by the end, we were all aligned on how startups function. Skydeck’s model, while still emphasizing the importance of building and customer validation, allows for a broader educational experience. This approach ensures that startups not only focus on immediate growth but also build a solid understanding of business fundamentals.
Standout Features and Areas for Improvement at Skydeck
Q: What’s a standout feature or moment during your time with Skydeck?
A: A defining feature of Skydeck that really stands out is its unique integration with UC Berkeley’s academic and resource environment. This access allows startups in the program to leverage a wide range of university resources, including the opportunity to work with Berkeley interns directly. It’s part of the broader educational initiative at Skydeck, where startups not only receive funding but are also immersed in a learning environment that resembles going back to school. Additionally, the physical workspace at Skydeck fosters a community among batch mates, enhancing the overall experience with peer learning and networking.
When comparing this to my experience at Y Combinator (YC), the contrast is notable. YC excels with its technological tools that streamline startup processes, especially around Demo Day and investor introductions. While Skydeck may manage these aspects more manually, they excel in delivering a comprehensive educational experience, backed by the robust academic resources of UC Berkeley.
Both Skydeck and YC provide immense value but cater to different aspects of startup development. Skydeck’s academic grounding and community-focused environment offer a unique blend that’s distinct from YC’s technology-driven approach. Participating in both programs highlighted their respective strengths, underscoring the importance of choosing a program that aligns with a startup’s specific needs and growth stage.
Q: Beyond the software, is there anything else about Skydeck that you found disappointing or think could be improved?
A: Honestly, the primary area I’d highlight for improvement at Skydeck already touches on the software aspect, which we’ve discussed. The powerful networking and tooling capabilities I experienced with YC’s software, like Bookface, set a high benchmark that Skydeck is still aspiring to meet. Skydeck does offer a network of alumni and current participants that can be accessed through Slack, providing a platform for communication and support among members. However, the sophistication and ease of use of YC’s tools are unmatched, largely due to YC’s longer history and iterative development of these resources.
Skydeck compensates for this with its unique offerings, such as the physical workspace and direct access to UC Berkeley’s resources and mentors. Unlike YC, Skydeck assigns industry-specific mentors to startups, in addition to the group partners from the SkyDeck Fund. This dual mentorship provides a rich advisory resource, blending academic insight with practical industry experience.
If there’s one aspect I’d wish for beyond software, it would be an even more integrated platform for networking and resource sharing, akin to what YC has achieved over the years. This would streamline the process of connecting with mentors, alumni, and resources, enhancing the overall efficiency and experience for startups in the program. Skydeck is aware of this feedback and is actively working on building its digital infrastructure to better support its participants.
Skydeck’s Role in Traverse Software’s Post-Accelerator Success
Q: How has Skydeck contributed to the scaling of Traverse Software after the program?
A: Skydeck played a pivotal role, particularly in the area of fundraising, which is crucial for any startup looking to scale. The accelerator aims to advance startups to a stage where they’re ready for investment, signifying a viable, market-desired product or service. Skydeck excelled in connecting us with a vast network of investors, a critical support given the current challenging fundraising environment.
The program didn’t just facilitate introductions; it provided ongoing support, highlighting their investment in our success. We received continuous encouragement and assistance, including follow-ups from Skydeck’s group partners, ensuring we had access to the resources we needed.
Moreover, Skydeck aided significantly in refining how we communicate our business to the world. While the essence of our product remained unchanged, our approach to presenting it and engaging with stakeholders underwent substantial evolution, influenced by feedback and mentoring from the program. This refinement has been essential in our interactions with investors and in positioning our business for success in the market.
Advice for Potential Skydeck Applicants
Q: Do you have any advice for those looking to apply to Skydeck or other accelerators?
A: The most common mistake I see is that people often wait too long to apply, overthink the process, and take rejections personally. My advice is simple: apply early and apply often. The journey to acceptance in these programs is typically not achieved on the first try. Instead, view each application as an opportunity to refine and improve your business idea. You never know exactly when you’ll reach the point that an accelerator deems you ready for their program. Remember, identifying and nurturing potential is what these programs are designed to do.
Going through the application process multiple times allows you to demonstrate how your startup is evolving, adapting, and growing. Accelerators are interested in seeing this progress. I often encounter individuals who are hesitant about applying, questioning if they even should. My response is always to just go for it. The act of applying, and the feedback you receive through this process, can be incredibly insightful and valuable in itself. Use the application as a tool to better understand your startup’s strengths and areas for improvement, and let the accelerators see the potential and progress in your venture.