Executive Interview: Marcel Cafferata, Founder of VIDEO DATE
Name: Marcel Cafferata
Position & Company: Founder of VIDEO DATE (We’re the Skype, Tango and Facetime of the mobile dating world)
Period of time in the role: 2.5 years. VIDEO DATE has been available for 10 months now on iOS and Android.
Twitter ID: @mobilevideodate
Can you describe your role and what you do in one sentence?
I’m the creator of VIDEO DATE. Making this app the complete dating experience.
What is your personal style in business in three words?
NEVER STOP BELIEVING.
How did you get into the online dating industry?
I was sick of all the current dating apps which have: fake profiles, limited engagement, no real interaction, when it comes time to meet the actual users their profiles and pictures don’t match up (dissatisfying), plus you have to pay for the ridiculous apps use? I made VIDEO DATE free to use, fun, you can actually engage in a live face to face conversation over your devices (like Skype). This eliminates all the uncertainties other than smell. You get an actual sense of personality.
What are you most proud of in your role?
Creating something people are enjoying. I want to make others happy.
What are the biggest challenges the industry faces?
Honestly – the biggest challenges are getting your name out there. Getting noticed. Going viral.
What do you believe is the most exciting opportunity facing the industry?
Mobile. Having the ability to actually communicate face to face over your mobile device to a person who you want to possible date.
What do you love most about the online dating industry?
What I love is it’s a growing industry and everybody wants love or to be loved.
Which service or company do you admire in the online dating industry?
Maybe MATCH.COM? They were the pioneers.
What sets your company apart from others in the industry?
Face to Face (peer to peer) live video chat (free). Also we have abilities to send pictures and soon video messages.
What does the rest of 2013 hold for your company?
It’s all a mystery?
