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In today's feature, we dive into the journey of Julio-Cezar Scerbina and Andrey Dobrov, the co-founders of Loby (formerly known as Rooms), a groundbreaking rental platform designed to simplify the process of finding flatmates and subletting properties. Loby aims to enhance the renting experience by using a data-driven approach to match individuals based on compatibility and lifestyle.
Julio and Andrey share their experiences and insights into their entrepreneurial journey, the challenges they've faced, and the valuable lessons they've learned along the way.
If you want to watch how Andrey describes Loby (Described as Rooms in this video), check out this video below:
Could you both introduce yourselves to our audience? Tell us who you are, what you study, and a bit about your background.
Julio: My name is Julio-Cezar Scerbina. I'm originally from Moldova and came to the UK at 16 to start school. I studied accounting and finance at King's College London. Last December, my co-founder Andrey and I started Loby (formerly Rooms), a platform to help students and young adults find flatmates or sublet their flats to save on rent.
Andrey: I'm Andrey Dobrov. I moved to the UK about nine years ago and graduated last year with a bachelor's degree in mathematics from City University. I worked at a digital asset custodian called Copper for eight months before realising the corporate life wasn’t for me. I quit my job in January to work full-time on Loby.
Could you share with us what sparked your interest in the rental market, and how this led to the creation of Rooms?
Julio: Coming to the UK with no network, I struggled to find a place to live. My first year was tough as I couldn't make connections with people I trusted to move in with. This led me to use various platforms to find flatmates, which often turned out poorly. The people I found were not a good match for my lifestyle, leading to a lot of frustration and uncomfortable living situations.
Andrey: That struggle was something we both faced. We met in an apartment building where we each lived with flatmates we didn’t get along with. It was challenging to find a compatible third flatmate when we decided to move in together. Existing platforms were not helpful, as they provided limited information about potential flatmates beyond basic details. This often resulted in mismatches that could have been avoided if we had more insight into their personalities and lifestyles.
Julio: Our mutual frustration really highlighted the gap in the market. Why wasn't there a platform that allowed you to find flatmates based on compatibility and shared interests? Living with someone is a big commitment, similar to a relationship, and having the right fit is crucial for a harmonious living environment.
Andrey: This realisation drove us to create Loby, a platform where people can find flatmates based on detailed personality matching and lifestyle preferences. We wanted to ensure that others wouldn't have to go through the same struggles we did. By focusing on compatibility, we aim to improve the renting experience significantly. The idea is to make the process not just about finding a place to live, but about building a community and creating a living situation that enhances your daily life.
A common theme for entrepreneurs in founding their companies is that they have personally faced a problem which has frustrated or annoyed them, which leads them, almost out of desperation, to create a solution to resolve their issue.
This is exactly what Ahana Banerjee, the CEO & Founder of Clear and Peter Wood, the CEO & Founder of The Graduate Guide faced. We did interviews with both and you can check out our interview with Ahana right here and you can check out our interview with Peter here.
Could you tell us a bit more about Loby and its unique features?
Julio: Loby is a mobile app similar to Tinder, where users swipe through profiles to find compatible flatmates. Our goal is to streamline the process of finding the right living companion by focusing on personality and lifestyle compatibility rather than just basic details like age and occupation. This approach is crucial because living with someone who shares your habits and interests can significantly improve your living experience.
Andrey: Exactly. The platform also supports subletting, which is particularly important for students and young adults who often need to leave their apartments for extended periods, such as during summer vacations or internships. This feature allows users to find temporary tenants quickly and efficiently, reducing the financial burden of paying rent while away.
Julio: What truly sets Loby apart is our detailed questionnaire and sophisticated algorithm designed to calculate compatibility scores. Users answer a series of prompts about their daily routines, preferences, and deal-breakers, which helps us match them with the best potential flatmates. This personalised approach ensures that the people you meet on Loby are more likely to be a good fit for your lifestyle.
Andrey: We've also integrated features that allow users to share more about their personalities and interests. For example, users can highlight their hobbies, favourite activities, and even their ideal weekend plans. This helps create a more comprehensive profile, giving potential flatmates a better understanding of who they might be living with.
Julio: Additionally, we have a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to browse and connect with potential flatmates. Our goal is to make the entire process as seamless as possible, reducing the time and effort required to find a compatible living situation. By addressing the pain points we've experienced ourselves, we're confident that Loby can make a real difference for others in the rental market.
Speaking of their algorithm, Andrey did a fascinating post on LinkedIn in which he dove a bit into their algorithm and how it operates to help connect ideal flatmates.
It truly gives a fascinating inside look so would really encourage you to check it out.
Can you share how you approached the development of Loby and the composition of your team?
Julio: Yes, we do have a team of developers. Initially, it was just the two of us working on the concept, but we soon realised we needed more expertise to bring Loby to life. Our CTO, who is based in Moldova, is also one of the founding partners. Under his guidance, we have three developers: one backend lead, one frontend lead, and another frontend developer. Our CTO specialises mainly in backend development, ensuring the core functionalities of the app are robust and scalable.
Andrey: One of the biggest challenges was convincing talented individuals to join us without immediate financial compensation. We managed to build a dedicated team by sharing our vision and demonstrating the potential impact of Loby. We believe that if you can convince someone to join your journey without immediate monetary incentives, it shows your ability to persuade and attract customers and investors down the line. This initial buy-in from our team was crucial and validated our idea's potential.
Julio: For the development of the algorithm, we started by doing extensive research and reading scientific papers. We wanted to ensure our matching algorithm was grounded in proven methodologies. Andrey and I developed the initial version of the algorithm, which was a simplified model to make it as broad and adaptable as possible. Once we had a working prototype, we handed it over to our development team for refinement and integration into the app.
Andrey: Because we’re still in the early stages, the algorithm is designed to function effectively even with a smaller user base. It will continuously improve as we gather more data. The current focus is on getting the MVP ready, which we plan to launch by mid-June. Testing is crucial, and we are continuously iterating based on user feedback to ensure the algorithm meets our users' needs.
Similar to what Andrey just mentioned about convincing people to join your startup team, check out this great video below by Y Combinator:
How have you complemented each other’s skills and strengths in your partnership? Would you recommend co-founding to other entrepreneurs, and why or why not?
Andrey: Living together has been incredibly beneficial. We’re constantly brainstorming and working on Loby, even during mundane activities. This continuous collaboration has allowed us to quickly address issues and come up with innovative solutions. I highly recommend having a co-founder to share the workload and support each other through challenges. It’s much easier to stay motivated and navigate the ups and downs when you’re not alone.
Julio: We work in conjunction, bouncing ideas off each other and splitting tasks based on our strengths. Andrey often handles the technical aspects while I focus on operations and management. This division of labor ensures that we cover all critical areas of the business effectively. Having a co-founder has been essential; it’s a lonely journey otherwise. The synergy we’ve developed allows us to push forward with confidence, knowing we have each other’s backs.
For all aspiring entrepreneurs out there, I would highly recommend checking out the book "How to be a Founder" by Alice Bentinck and Matt Clifford in which they go into real depth on the importance of the "Co-Founding Relationship"
As co-founders, what unique challenges have you faced in building Loby, and how did you overcome them? What advice do you have for others in similar positions?
Andrey: One of the biggest challenges was the sheer amount of uncertainty we faced. We started with zero knowledge in many areas, from development to marketing, and had to learn everything on the fly. Each day brought new obstacles, and we often had to figure things out through trial and error. This process was daunting, but it taught us to be adaptable and persistent. My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to start now. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or a flawless plan. Build the most basic version of your idea and get it in front of customers as soon as possible. Listen to their feedback and iterate based on their needs. Also, find a co-founder and, if possible, live together. This will maximise your collaboration and help you stay motivated through the inevitable ups and downs.
Julio: Another significant challenge was managing our expectations and dealing with constant rejections. Whether it was from potential investors, partners, or even users, hearing "no" was a regular part of our journey. Each rejection felt like a setback, but we learned to see them as opportunities to refine our approach and improve our pitch. Over time, we became more resilient and better prepared to handle criticism. My advice to others in similar positions is to embrace the journey and not be afraid of failure. Every setback is a learning opportunity. Surround yourself with a strong support system, whether it’s a co-founder, mentors, or a community of fellow entrepreneurs. They will help you stay grounded and provide valuable insights that can guide you through tough times. Stay focused on your vision, but be flexible in your approach.
What is your top advice for aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to create their own tech startups?
Andrey: Just start. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Take the plunge, build the most basic version of your product, and get it in front of users. Learn from their feedback and iterate. Surround yourself with a supportive network, whether it’s co-founders, mentors, or fellow entrepreneurs. Their support and insights can be invaluable.
Julio: Building on what Andrey said, it's crucial to embrace resilience and adapt swiftly to change. Continuously validate your ideas against real-world feedback to pave the way for meaningful innovation. Understand that failure is part of the journey, and each setback is a learning opportunity. Stay focused on your vision but be flexible in your approach. This combination of action, support, and adaptability is key to navigating the entrepreneurial landscape successfully.
Finally, what three books/podcasts would you recommend to our readers that have significantly impacted your thinking or approach to life and business?
Julio and Andrey:
Do Things That Don't Scale by Paul Graham – This article is essential reading for any startup founder. It exemplifies how to start a startup by focusing on non-scalable initial efforts that can provide valuable insights and momentum.
Reaching Product-Market Fit – A talk by the founder of Weebly on the YC YouTube channel. This talk provides a clear understanding of what a successful product looks like and how to achieve product-market fit, which is crucial for any startup's growth.
Growth by YC – A video on the YC YouTube channel that teaches marketing from a systematic perspective. It offers practical insights on creating viral growth and understanding the mechanics of successful marketing strategies.
A huge thank you to Julio-Cezar Scerbina and Andrey Dobrov for sharing their time with us and providing an insightful look into their journey with Loby. Their story of transforming personal struggles into a groundbreaking platform is truly inspiring.
Now, we’d love to hear from you! Please let us know what you thought of the interview and leave your comments below on other guests you would like to see featured in this series.
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