Founder Friday: Matty Schaefer, Co-Founder & CEO of Vade 🚗
Founder Friday is a content series from SuperAngel.Fund highlighting companies in our portfolio and the inspiring founders behind them.
In our 29th edition we are featuring Matty Schaefer, Co-Founder & CEO of Vade, which provides real-time curb data and analytics for modern cities.
In ever-crowded and busy urban areas, every inch of space matters. As such, it’s no surprise to learn that curb management has become mission-critical for cities as a way for Departments of Transportation (DOTs) to optimize the efficiency of this increasingly valuable piece of real estate. The sharp increase in ridesharing traffic, passenger drop-offs & pickups, bike-sharing docks, traditional and “instant” delivery couriers, including FedEx, UPS, Amazon, Instacart, DoorDash and others, has fundamentally changed the demand for curb space, yet, cities continue to allocate more than 90% of it to regular parking. Add to that, the decreased supply due to outdoor dining structures. If done right, '“smart curb” systems can not only accommodate the needs of modern cities, but could also help reduce traffic, lower carbon emissions and encourage greener modes of travel.
Frustrated by their own experiences, the founders at Vade first came together in 2018 to solve this massive problem by developing wireless cameras and computer vision that can measure how curb space is actually being used, in real-time. Matty and his team spent three years developing the technology before putting into commercial use with cities like Sarasota, FL, Lexington, KY, and Austin, TX.
With $4.3m in new funding earlier this year, Vade has expanded their organization and is continuing to enhance their product to meet this enormous, and critically important opportunity for the future of cities!
Describe your company in 5 words or less.
Matty: Connected infrastructure for city curbs.
What was your primary motivation for starting your business?
Matty: To prove myself. I reviewed technology on YouTube (MS Tech) successfully for 4-5 years before Vade and got up to 500K subscribers & 100M total views, but I grew to hate the attention, being on camera, and feeling like I wasn't really solving a problem. I saw Vade as an opportunity to create value by solving a really hard problem, building really hard technology, and addressing a really hard market (government), all while staying behind the scenes.
What piece of advice would you give an entrepreneur starting a business today?
Matty: Be honest with yourself about why you're doing it. If your motivation is contingent on success, don't start. If it's a means to make money, probably don't start. Assume it will fail, and if you aren't willing to put in 100% regardless then don't start. There's nothing wrong with any of those things, they are the rational perspective - just know that every boundary you think you may have will be tested, and it will always get worse than you think, and that's the only time it matters to be dedicated.
What do you love to do in your free time?
Matty: Play with my dog Tofu (2 y/o long-haired mini dachshund), train in MMA (kickboxing mostly, getting punched is great), learn about tv show/movie lore (Game of Thrones, Marvel, etc.).
What is the most interesting place you’ve visited recently and why?
Matty: Joshua Tree. I was in need of self discovery earlier this year and had high hopes for a week in Joshua Tree with my best friend. It ended up exceeding all expectations. It felt like I was in a parallel universe with a Zoom connection back home.
What is your favorite app or tool in your work life and in your personal life?
Matty: Apple Notes to both. Simple functionality that just works > bunch of features that technically do more.
What do you believe is the most important skill or attribute of a successful founder?
Matty: An irrational refusal to quit & being self-aware about it.
SuperAngel.Fund is an early stage fund that invests in Consumer, PropTech & Future of Work. You can learn more at SuperAngel.Fund.
