Taha Memon and Boop

In this edition of Start-Up Spotlight, I’m excited to introduce Boop, a startup that's making event networking smoother and more efficient with an incredibly simple solution—SMS business cards. I recently spoke with Horacio Rodriguez Rilo, the founder of Boop, to learn more about how they’re changing the game for professionals at conferences and events.

What is Boop?

Boop is designed to make networking at events as easy as sending a text. Instead of relying on apps or internet connections, Boop allows you to share your business card through SMS. Imagine you’re at a conference—rather than fumbling with your phone for a LinkedIn QR code or dealing with Wi-Fi issues, you simply share your contact info through a text message by having someone scan your Boop QR code. It’s fast, it’s simple, and it works anywhere.

The Idea Behind Boop

The idea for Boop came from a problem many of us have faced—networking can be clunky when technology doesn’t cooperate. After attending several conferences, Horacio realized that Wi-Fi was often unreliable, making it difficult to share digital business cards or connect via apps. So, he turned to SMS, which is both quick and doesn't require an internet connection. Boop was born out of the need for a networking solution that actually works, even when the tech doesn’t.

The Roadblocks Along the Way

Of course, every startup faces its challenges. For Boop, one of the biggest was convincing people that SMS business cards were a viable solution in a world obsessed with apps and internet-based tools. On top of that, there were technical challenges to overcome to make the platform run smoothly. But with determination and a lot of testing in real-world environments, Boop was able to prove its worth.

Looking Ahead: Boop’s Vision for the Future

Boop isn’t just stopping at SMS business cards. Horacio has a much bigger vision—he wants Boop to become the go-to platform for all in-person event networking. Whether you’re sharing your Instagram, LinkedIn, or just your phone number, Boop aims to streamline the entire process. The goal is to make connecting with people at events effortless, with no internet or app complications holding you back.

The biggest thing that separates Boop from its competitors is its reliance on SMS rather than the internet. Many of the existing solutions out there require strong Wi-Fi or mobile data to function, but Boop works flawlessly even without internet. This is a game-changer for anyone who’s been to a large event and struggled with weak signals or tech hiccups.

Major Milestones

One of Boop’s early wins came during the launch of their MVP (Minimum Viable Product) at a major event. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with hundreds of users trying out the platform and providing feedback. It was a clear sign that Boop was solving a real problem and was on the right track.

Words of Wisdom for Founders

Horacio’s journey with Boop has taught him a lot, and his advice for aspiring founders is straightforward—stay consistent and keep learning. The early stages of building a company are often about trial and error, and the key is to keep pushing forward while refining your product.

Boop is paving the way for a simpler, more reliable approach to networking at events. By focusing on SMS, they’re ensuring that professionals can exchange information without the typical tech frustrations. As they continue to evolve, I’m excited to see how they’ll reshape the way we connect at conferences and beyond.

If you're interested in having your startup featured in an upcoming edition, feel free to reach out at updates@tahamemon.com. Keep an eye out for more innovative stories and exciting startups in the next Start-Up Spotlight!

Best, Taha Memon