Pickup app plans premium membership: local sports startup eyes growth beyond free access

Pickup, created by VCU grads Sheikh Uddin, Mahir Rahman, and Prakash Chatlani, is gaining traction as a free platform connecting local sports enthusiasts within 100 miles. With initial investments of a few thousand dollars, the founders now aim to introduce premium features, signaling a strategic shift to monetize and expand their user base.

Sources:
Richmond BizSense
Updated 3h ago
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Sources: Richmond BizSense
Pickup, a new app launched last month by VCU computer science graduates Sheikh Uddin, Mahir Rahman, and Prakash Chatlani, is designed to connect users with local pickup sports games within a 100-mile radius.

Currently free and self-funded, the app allows users to filter games by date and skill level, making it easier to find suitable matches. The founders, who also serve as CEO, CTO, and CIO, aim to build a strong user base before introducing a premium membership.

"We wanted to keep the app as least restrictive as possible while it gets off the ground," said Uddin, a longtime pickup basketball player who experienced firsthand the challenge of finding players.

The startup has invested a few thousand dollars so far, reflecting their commitment to growing the platform organically. The planned premium membership signals a strategic move to expand beyond free access and monetize the app as it gains traction.

"Users can search for pickup games at up to a 100-mile radius from their location and filter by date or skill level," enhancing the app's usability and appeal.

Pickup's launch taps into the growing demand for flexible, community-driven sports opportunities, positioning the app as a promising local sports startup with ambitions for broader growth.
Sources: Richmond BizSense
Pickup, a Richmond-based sports app launched by VCU grads Sheikh Uddin, Mahir Rahman, and Prakash Chatlani, plans to introduce a premium membership. The app, currently free and self-funded, helps users find local pickup games within a 100-mile radius, aiming to grow beyond free access.
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The Headline

Pickup app launched with free access and premium plans

Key Facts
  • Pickup app was launched last month by Sheikh Uddin, Mahir Rahman, and Prakash Chatlani, who are friends and VCU computer science graduates serving as CEO, CTO, and CIO respectively.Richmond BizSense
  • Pickup app allows users to find and join local sports games within a 100-mile radius and filter by date or skill level to find suitable games.Richmond BizSense
  • The app is currently free to use as the founders want to build a user base and keep it as least restrictive as possible while it gets off the ground.Richmond BizSense
  • The founders have self-funded the app with a couple thousand dollars and plan to maintain their jobs while managing Pickup.Richmond BizSense
  • The team has announced plans for a future premium membership to enhance the user experience beyond free access.
Pickup is free to use. Uddin said the team wanted to build a user base and keep the app as 'least restrictive as possible' while it gets off the ground.
Richmond BizSense
Richmond BizSense
Background Context

Founders' motivation and app development background

Key Facts
  • Pickup was developed late last year by the founders while working at Kinsale Insurance, motivated by Uddin's experience as a longtime pickup basketball player struggling to find games.Richmond BizSense
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