It’s about time we introduce you to the brains behind Airtime Rewards… our Co-founders Adam and Josh!
Next up in the hot seat is Adam, our Co-founder and CEO.
What are your backgrounds and how did you meet?
I studied law initially at university but very quickly became obsessed with all things mobile and spent a lot of time building mobile apps for big brands, along with working with the mobile network operators on a number of their value-added services, which is where Josh and I met. You will be familiar with Orange Wednesdays, which is one of the services we used to operate at a previous business.
What inspired you to launch Airtime Rewards?
The last 5-10 years has seen a lot of changes in technology and challenger businesses set up in many industries to compete with legacy incumbents. Just look at what has happened in banking with the likes of Monzo and Revolut. Nothing had changed in the rewards and loyalty technology space since Nectar launched. Not only in terms of technology and member engagement, but also in terms of catching up with consumer habits and their perception of value when it comes to rewards. Airtime Rewards tackles both of these challenges.
What is the biggest challenge of launching a start-up?
Controlling your costs and getting traction before you run out of money.
What makes Airtime Rewards stand out from the competition?
We are a mobile-first rewards programme which makes us completely different to many of our competitors, not only in terms of how our members engage with us and manage their accounts but also in the redemption and reward currency we have created.
What achievement are you most proud of so far?
Getting to 1 million members has to be up there with some of our achievements. It's so hard to stand out amongst the many different apps that are put in front of consumers via the app stores.
What can we expect to see from Airtime Rewards in the next year? Anything exciting?
We have seen so much adoption of our programme by new retailers this year, so the next 12 months is definitely going to be more of the same. Internally our team is growing quickly too, and we are about to launch our new retailer reporting dashboard.
And finally, why should everyone be using Airtime Rewards?
Why wouldn't you?! We have such a huge retailer base now and there are so many opportunities to earn rewards and save money on your mobile bill!
Quick-fire Questions 🔥
1. Favourite Airtime feature?
I’m going to give the game away here but my favourite feature is one that hasn't been released to our members yet. We have been working on a feature with Visa and MasterCard to automatically update your debit / credit card you have stored in the Airtime App when it expires or you are sent a new card from your bank. It means you will never have to update your cards and won't ever miss out on rewards.
2. Other than Airtime, what is your favourite app?
Instagram is probably my most used after Airtime.
3. Spender or Saver?
I'm a Saver!
4. First Job?
My first job was at Tesco. Firstly stacking shelves and then I moved to working on the checkouts.
5. Best thing about working at Airtime?
The team we have built over the last 4-5 years.
6. Which retailer have you spent most with?
Boots.
7. Favourite food?
I would say Indian but more specifically Dishoom!
8. Dogs or Cats?
Dogs - see a photo of our adorable Co-hounder, Ralph, below!
9. What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I wanted to be a policeman when I was growing up.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know our co-founder and CEO, Adam!
Keep an eye out for future Meet the Team blogs and opportunities to join the Airteam on our LinkedIn page.
