What is your background?
James Chapman is the Founder and CEO of Plain Sight, a tech company that helps you find networking events, workspaces, and new business connections. James has dedicated his entire career to providing access to capital and professional networks. Before starting Plain Sight, he co-founded Detroit Demo Day - which has now provided over $5 million in funding to businesses throughout the city of Detroit. Prior to both ventures, he started an evening hours workspace for side-hustlers to collaborate and build community.
What problem are you solving? Did you face it personally?
85% of business opportunities are through networking. However, making the right connection within a networking environment, usually only happens by chance or introduction.
What is your solution?
We take the work out of networking by helping you find networking opportunities, RSVP for them online or in-app, and recommend new connections.
Why do you believe that this is the perfect time to build this product? The traditional ways of networking within a business setting are being reimagined. Professional network growth has declined by 17% since the pandemic. Not only are people more eager than ever to get back out and connect in-person for business, but because of the pandemic, they are also more accustomed to leveraging technology to bridge these connections.
Why are you excited about the industry you are building in?
After two years, in-person business events are finally seeing a tremendous increase compared to when we started in March 2020. This obviously is great news for us and gives us a chance to really prove the impact our platform can make. Also, I think there has been a lack of innovations in the space, which makes it prime for disruption.
What has been the biggest lesson you have learned so far on your journey?
Ask the tough questions and don’t be afraid of the answer. I’ve learned that feedback is a gift and I embrace feedback even if it’s not what I necessarily want to hear at the moment. In my opinion, this learning is essential for my long-term success as a business leader.
Who have been your biggest supporters up-today (give. Shoutout)
Our community! We don’t call them users, we call them go-getters. We are them, so they get where we’re headed and understand that we aren’t there yet. However, with their support, we will be able to build something that truly helps them grow their network of meaningful connections.
Asks: What do you need help with? (Not fundraising related)
Create your next business event using Plain Sight! It’s free, we offer paid or free ticket registration, and it includes a mobile app for your attendees to make connections. We also help you find sponsors for your event!
