In our latest installment of conversations with innovative Irish start-ups, we speak to Evan Gray, the founder of Laundrie to get his views on all things business and start-up.
JOE: So Evan tell us, what is Laundrie all about?
Evan: Laundrie is an app and website for dry cleaning & laundry. We provide pickups for your clothes across Dublin up to 10pm, seven days a week. Something like Hailo for you clothes!
JOE: How did the business start and what inspired you to go out on your own?
Evan: I didn’t like the way the traditional model worked. It’s inconvenient, slow, and expensive.
With us we don’t have a retail location which drives a large part of the cost and we operate up to 10pm every night, so you don’t have to worry about making it out of the office before a certain time to get your clothes.
JOE: How competitive is the market you’re in?
Evan: Extremely competitive. We’re the first in this market, however, there are imitators, along with the traditional set-up who have established relationships with their customer base. However, we’re offering something quite different so people are quick to see the advantages of our business.
JOE: How has business been? Is there a certain demographic you find really take to Laundrie?
Evan: There’s not one particular demographic that uses our service; young professionals, families, even a couple of celebrities!
JOE: What does the future have in store for Laundrie?
Evan: We want to take the service to more cities as the world is crying out for it.
JOE: You’re one of the rare and brave breed of young Irish entrepreneurs, do you think more Irish people should go out there on their own or is it a case-by-case basis?
Evan: It’s a lifestyle so you have to be ready to commit everything to it. Your relationship, social life etc. all take a back seat, so it’s not for everyone. But I think we’re a very entrepreneurial nation and punch well above our weight in the category. The more the better!
