We’ve all run across poorly written copy online. It’s quite common and if an individual or organization is interested in presenting professionalism, then the ability to write clearly is key.
Scripted is a San Francisco based startup whose team is made up of an excellent team of writers whose purpose is to provide companies in need of a top-notch and well researched writing solution to their copy needs.
We had a chance to talk to founder Sunil Rajaraman about what it has been like in the startup world. Besides loving to prove people wrong (props to Sunil for that), he shared how simple it was to aquire the Scripted URL. Take a moment and read what Rajaraman shared with us:
How’d you come up with the name for your company?
We started off as a screenwriting software company back in 2008 (Scripped.com). Our most common mis-spelling was Scripted.com and we were lucky enough to be able to acquire the URL in exchange for a Boston Red Sox cap and a postcard!
What’s the very first thing you do at work everyday?
I load up on coffee. I don’t know how to get through the day without a massive coffee infusion. I also put on my headphones and cue up a good Spotify playlist.
How many people did you start the company with and how many people work for you now?
I had 2 co-founders initially back when we were a screenwriting software company, but one of my co-founders left for Harvard Dental School. We are now a 10 employee, San Francisco-based company.
Remember the early days starting up? Maybe you can share one anecdote that describe the struggle you went through?
All three co-founders were working full time jobs while trying to make the company work. For two years we struggled to work virtually, but somehow managed to make it through despite stressful day jobs. We essentially funded the company through our day jobs before finally getting enough traction to quit, and work on Scripted full time.
How do you handle frustration? When/how was the last time you dealt with frustration?
Like most people, not well unfortunately. Sometimes I try to exercise, and other times I try to meditate. More often than not, I’ll enjoy a Belgian beer or two.
What’s your office environment like?
We are definitely not like a lot of startups these days with fancy looking desks and office furniture (we furnished the office with a 2k budget from Ikea), but we do have a lot of cool/quirky personalities. Three of our ten employees play in bands outside of work, so lots of music lovers here at Scripted.
How do you picture your company in 5 years?
We are going to be the first place businesses think of when they want to outsource a freelance writing project.
Who or what inspires you?
This sounds bad, but I do get motivated when people say I won’t succeed at something. I get motivated by proving people wrong.
How’d you fund this venture?
Self funded from 08-10, but we raised a million dollar VC round in Fall of 2011 (which followed a small angel round in 2010).
Got any great bootstrapping tips for the lean startups out there?
Be scrappy, be ready to suffer a bit. Nothing comes easy, and there will be times you wonder why you decided to start a company…Never lose sight of the bigger picture.
What would you be doing if you had one year off and $500,000 to spend?
I’d probably start a brewery/restaurant. Outside of Scripted and tennis (my second love), really good beer is my favorite thing.
Do you consider yourself a successful entrepreneur right now? If not, what’s it gonna take to make you feel successful?
No… who does? I think part of what makes entrepreneurs great is that they never feel completely successful. I always want to feel like I can improve, and never want to feel completely content with myself.
Website you couldn’t live without and why?
Google – obvious.
Deadspin – I’m a sports junkie, and love their writing style.
Techmeme– my first source for tech news.
Mobile App you’re in love with and why?
Spotify – since the US release I’ve been absolutely hooked. I love music and now have access to a limitless library at my fingertips.
Dogs or cats?
Allergic to both.
iOS or Android?
iOS. I hope Apple goes Thermonuclear on Android.
What’s the greatest thing about your company?
We’re helping US-based writers. A guy made 45k last year from Scripted after losing his job, and his brother in a tragic accident.
Where can our readers get ahold of you?
What’s your favorite movie of all time?
Memento of course! Christopher Nolan is a genius.
