Blok24

Blok24 was a technology startup that developed a mobile application designed as a 'spontaneity marketplace' to connect people with local activities and events happening within the next 24 hours. The company was founded by Yuval Hamudot and Troy Frever, who conceived the idea while working together at Smilebox. They identified a gap in the market for a user-friendly tool that helped individuals discover immediate, nearby experiences beyond simple business directories.

The venture targeted the millennial demographic, capitalizing on the growing trend of valuing experiences over material possessions. Its primary service was a city discovery application that allowed users to find and engage with events in their communities. For local businesses, the platform offered a way to reach a targeted audience looking for immediate activities. The initial market focus was on the Capitol Hill neighborhood in Seattle, where it partnered with various local businesses.

Blok24's business model was structured as a freemium service. While the app was free for both consumers and businesses during its initial growth phase, the company planned to introduce a subscription fee for businesses to access enhanced features. The startup secured angel funding, with reports indicating a raise of $450,000 from investors such as Ripl Chairman Andrew Wright and OfferUp co-founder Arean van Veelan. Another source indicates an angel round of $825k in early 2016. By mid-2017, the app had reportedly reached 3,000 monthly active users. Despite its early traction, the company ultimately ceased operations, listed as out of business in December 2018.

Keywords: local events, city discovery app, spontaneity marketplace, hyper-local marketing, mobile application, event discovery, Seattle startup, Yuval Hamudot, Troy Frever, freemium model, community engagement, local experiences, neighborhood events, experience economy, lifestyle app, what to do now, last-minute plans, local business promotion, out of business, formerly VC-backed