About three years ago, Matthew Sullivan was a member of a few different bands and thought of possible ways to promote his music through live streaming videos. He envisioned a future with venues broadcasting live content onto the Web.

He made his idea a reality: his current business, VenueSpy. The company, with the help of a $5,000 grant from the Raymond von Dran Awards, launched its Beta version of the site during a three-day launch event, which started Thursday.

The website, VenueSpy.com, gives users a free preview into live events, concerts and activities taking place at participating venues. The venues channel streams live on the site, at the venue owner’s discretion.

Currently, VenueSpy’s five clients are DJ’s on the Hill, Funk ‘n Waffles, The Lost Horizon, King of Clubs and Bar. These clients pay a monthly subscription fee to receive high-definition audio and video equipment installation, as well as an administrative channel on the website. 

Eight months ago, Sullivan, a senior marketing major, pitched his business idea to a couple of investors, but they did not grasp the concept. Sullivan sought the help of friend Kerry Maguire, a junior communication and rhetorical studies major. Although Sullivan had the entrepreneurial and business skills he’d acquired in school, he needed help with Web design and other technical aspects for VenueSpy.com. Maguire had faith in the project, and his girlfriend, Erica Riker, joined the pair. Riker is a junior graphic design major at Onondaga Community College.

Now Sullivan, as CEO, appreciates his large team, which has grown to 14 people.

‘Our infrastructure is so complicated, it couldn’t possibly happen without such a diverse team,’ Sullivan said. ‘Every single one of us has a unique skill set, and they’re all necessary.’

Riker, the team’s art director, designed the company logo and created the look and feel for its website.  She said she refers to various forms of media for creative inspiration. She uses films, fashion, art blogs, pop culture and even Lady Gaga to evaluate where society is progressing visually.

‘You have to be in touch with every facet or you’re going to miss something, and relevance is absolutely crucial,’ Riker said.

Junior computer science major Bob Ho, who Sullivan called a ‘jack of all trades,’ said this business could change the way people engage in nightlife.

‘I believe VenueSpy can digitize the nightlife by giving people a sneak peek into bars or clubs,’ Ho said. ‘We could revolutionize how bars and clubs are now and connect people all over the world.’ 

Maguire, president and chief operating officer, said the team stood among a crowd of a couple hundred people on Saturday at DJ’s on the Hill and reflected on the company’s progress.

‘VenueSpy is on a roll, and we are ready to take on new clients and revolutionize the way people plan, advertise and experience live local events,’ he said.

Riker said this company is the result of the ‘blood, sweat and tears of the whole team.’

‘This is a 24-hour job; there is no time to take a break, no time to mess around. This is moving at a neck-breaking speed, and we’re all at the top of our game and making things happen no matter where we’re living,’ she said.

The VenueSpy team members hope the business concept will catch on, giving them the opportunity to expand to other regions like New York City and Boston, Sullivan said.

He said the three-day launch offered the team members a lot of feedback, and they will work out the kinks in their business plan and website. VenueSpy has seen its eight months of hard work pay off and is gearing up for the future.

‘I never picture myself being in this kind of a position, but this team of people is special,’ Sullivan said. ‘Now I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else in the world.’ 

vripacs@syr.edu

Published on April 17, 2011 at 12:00 pm