Tom Charman aimed to transform how we discover travel experiences. He co-founded KOMPAS, a mobile app that recommends food and activities based on your unique personality and interests—not price, location, or reviews from strangers, like most travel apps today.
Representing the UK at the Entrepreneurs Organization's Global Student Entrepreneur Awards in Bangkok in May 2016, Charman turned a promotional trip into a pivotal networking opportunity. He connected with seasoned entrepreneurs who became key mentors as KOMPAS scaled.
Related: 10 Ways to Find Your Perfect Mentor
"As an entrepreneur, it's easy to hide our worries and let ego stop us from seeking help. Asking for advice doesn't weaken you—it shows you're wise enough to value experienced perspectives when needed."
Charman elaborates on mentorship's power in this Q&A.
Q. Tell me about your business and how it started.
A. KOMPAS was born in Munich in 2014. My co-founder and I grappled with a common urban dilemma: Where should I go? And more crucially, Will I enjoy it? As newcomers to the city, these challenges felt amplified. Research showed we weren't alone—many face information overload. We targeted 22- to 30-year-olds who crave personalized exploration. They spend about £200 (roughly $245 USD) weekly on dining, events, and getaways. Drawing from my startup and innovation background plus a passion for discovery, we built KOMPAS: a mobile app powered by proprietary AI that matches users to venues based on their unique interests.
Q. What challenges did you face when first growing your business?
A. Early on, partnering with local businesses was tough for a small startup in a saturated market. We overcame this by building a strong social media presence—explaining our mission and value—growing to over 26,000 followers. This audience helped secure partnerships.
Scaling our user base was equally critical. In mobile apps, the first few hundred downloads are the hardest, but retention matters more. Social media fueled growth, targeted efficiently so users discovered fresh, relevant local spots and returned often.
Q. What personal challenges have you encountered during your entrepreneurial journey?
A. Past ventures taught me hard lessons, especially building aligned teams. Misaligned visions derailed earlier companies, but experience has made team-building my priority now.
Related: 5 Lessons I've Learned From Over 200 Successful Entrepreneurs
Work-life balance was another hurdle. Long hours left little time for friends or downtime, earning me a workaholic label. Founders need breaks for creativity and mindfulness—time away from the grind to recharge and innovate.
Q. What sets your brand apart?
A. Three key differentiators: hyper-personalization via our tech, which matches users to venues based on personality traits for truly enjoyable discoveries.
Second, our city-specific content spotlights unique, independent spots with honest reviews from like-minded people—countering fake reviews and generic directories.
Finally, our live itineraries: Plan a full day incorporating your schedule, interests, real-time city data, and directions—for a free, adaptive exploration that uncovers hidden gems in your backyard. KOMPAS redefines urban adventure.
Q. How did you first hear about the Entrepreneurs Organization?
A. During a prior venture, EO appealed because it fosters peer-to-peer experience-sharing. I've always mentored weekly, helping others hit goals. The 2016 Bangkok trip confirmed it: global entrepreneurs with diverse insights aligned perfectly with my drive.
Q. Why do you think mentors are so critical to success?
A. Mentors provide three vital benefits. First, their experience offers unbiased insights into blind spots insiders miss.
Second, they act as sounding boards during tough times. Entrepreneurship isn't all glamour—depression is real. A mentor combats isolation and keeps you resilient.
Related: 8 Ways to Build a Killer Relationship with Your Mentors
Third, they accelerate personal growth, shaping your motivations and steering you from their past mistakes.
Q. How has this experience shaped you as a current mentor?
A. Mentors broadened my perspective, applying unbiased views beyond business to spark creativity. Now, I help mentees align teams for fast MVPs, craft strategies, secure funding, partnerships, and growth.
Q. What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs looking for a mentor?
"Asking for advice doesn't weaken you—it shows maturity in seeking seasoned input."
A. Don't fear asking—ego kills progress. Target experts in your challenges, and consult many for diverse views and networks. Use events, intros, and politeness; people love helping. Once built, reciprocate by mentoring newcomers—it refines your own growth as founder and guide.
Q. What's on the horizon for KOMPAS?
A. User growth tops the list as we enter new cities and refine algorithms. Over the next year: team expansion, product upgrades, and city launches. Data science expertise positions us as city exploration leaders in three years.
Related: 9 Entrepreneurial Lessons You Never Learned in School
This article originally appeared in the April 2017 issue of SUCCESS magazine.
